HomeMy WebLinkAbout081325-05.2
PARKS, RECREATION AND ARTS COMMISSION
STAFF REPORT
5.2
TO: Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission August 13, 2025
SUBJECT: Follow up discussion of Bicycles, Scooters and E-Bikes in Town Parks
BACKGROUND
At its July 9th meeting, the Commission began a discussion regarding safety concerns
regarding the use of e-bikes and e-scooters within Town parks. The staff report for that
meeting included the current language in the Parks ordinance:
13-2.3 Prohibitions.
o. Bicycles, E-bikes and motorized scooters. No person shall ride or operate a
bicycle, e-bike or motorized scooter in a negligent, unsafe or reckless manner, or
in any way that endangers the life, limb or property of any person in a Town
park or trail. Riding bicycles, e-bikes and motorized scooters in park playground
areas is prohibited.
The staff report also identified three possible options for ordinance amendments:
• Prohibiting riding e-bikes and motorized scooters throughout all of our parks
and trails, not just in playground areas.
• Designating only certain paths within each park that could be used by e-bikes or
scooters.
• Adopting a speed limit (for just e-bikes or all bikes) while riding in a park or on
a trail. As an example, the East Bay Regional Park District has a 15 mile per hour
speed limit for all bikes on their paved trails.
The Commission did not reach a consensus on any of these options, with a majority of
commissioners concerned about enforceability. The Commission did request staff to
follow up with the Town of San Anselmo and City of Burlingame, both of which have
prohibited e-bikes in their parks, to find out how those changes have been received.
DISCUSSION
Beginning with the Town of San Anselmo, until the summer of 2023, they relied on a
provision of their parks ordinance prohibiting motor vehicles in their parks. However,
that year a senior citizen was knocked over by an e-bike rider in a park and several other
residents expressed concern for their safety. With that, their Town Council amended
their park regulations to specifically prohibit riding e-bikes in all parks. They also
prohibit all bikes from their grass fields. In response to our inquiry the Town’s recreation
department said they have not received a lot of direct feedback but their sense is that the
community is supportive.
The City of Burlingame adopted an ordinance banning the use of all “e-mobility devices”
in city parks (this includes bikes and scooters). Their ordinance was adopted in July 2024
and became effective in November. The ordinance was proposed by the Chief of Police
based on repeated safety concerns from park users. In response to our inquiry, their
Parks and Recreation Director that the effectiveness of the ordinance depends on the level
of enforcement the Police Department is able to provide-more enforcement, fewer e-
bikers in parks. Their police department has promised me some information on calls for
service and more subjective views on effectiveness. If that is received prior to the
Commission meeting, it will be provided to the Commission.
RECOMMENDATION
The Commission should discuss the issue and, as appropriate, make any
recommendations for potential changes to the parks ordinance addressing e-bikes and
scooters.
Prepared by:
Robert B. Ewing
City Attorney