DATE: November 14, 2023
SUBJECT:
Title
MOTORIZED MOBILITY DEVICES AND PEDICABS:
A. ADOPT A RESOLUTION FINDING THE FOLLOWING BOARD ACTIONS EXEMPT UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA), INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, CEQA GUIDELINES SECTIONS 15301 AND 15311; AND
B. CONDUCT A PUBLIC HEARING AND ADOPT AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SAN DIEGO UNIFIED PORT DISTRICT (SDUPD) CODE ARTICLE 8, SECTION 8.07 - REGULATION OF MOTORIZED MOBILITY DEVICES AND PEDICABS ON DISTRICT TIDELANDS
C. DIRECT STAFF TO DEVELOP AND EXECUTE SHORT-TERM OPERATING AGREEMENTS WITH PEDICABS FOR HIRE CONDUCTING COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY ON DISTRICT TIDELANDS, WITH CONDITIONS AND COST RECOVERY AT NO LESS THAN 25% OF THE COSTS TO OPERATE THE PROGRAM
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Electric bicycles (e-Bikes), electric scooters, electric skateboards, motorized pedicabs and other motorized non-traditional mobility devices (Motorized Mobility Devices, or MMD's) are in use regularly throughout District Tidelands. As the popularity of these devices increases, both the general public and commercial operators run an increased risk for conflicts with high density, slower-traffic pedestrian areas. Additionally, the pedicab practices vary widely and can enhance or tarnish the public's experience of the waterfront.
At the July 11, 2023, BPC meeting staff presented a two-pronged approach to improve public safety with respect to all MMDs and to increase accountability for commercial pedicab operators, while enabling responsible operators to thrive on tidelands. As presented, the two prongs work together - one, an ordinance to set legal standards and ensure proper enforcement and the other, operating agreements to promote a safe and enjoyable experience for tidelands guests and ensure financial accountability. Board comments at the meeting were generally supportive of the two-pronged approach.
Based on Board comments at the July 11 meeting, staff conducted additional outreach while developing the elements of wh...
Click here for full text