HomeMy WebLinkAboutA001 - Council Action Form dated May 8, 2018 ITEM # 64 a & b
DATE: 05-08-18
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: ELIMINATING PROHIBITION ON BIKE RIDING ON HARD-SURFACED
PATHWAYS IN BROOKSIDE PARK
BACKGROUND:
At the March 27, 2018, City Council meeting, City staff provided a list of ordinances that
would need temporary modification to accommodate the arrival of the RAGBRAI bike
ride on July 24. In reviewing the Municipal Code, staff discovered a section (Sec. 19.12)
that among other areas prohibits the riding of bicycles on the hard-surfaced paths of
Brookside Park. Brookside Park is a proposed campground area for RAGBRAI.
As staff reviewed this existing ordinance, it was not entirely clear why such a prohibition
was in effect for these hard surfaced pathways in Brookside Park. It does not appear
that this section has been enforced for some time, nor is this ban well-known to the
public. Staff surmises that the ban on bike riding on these paths was put into effect
when there was no wide shared-use path paved in the park. City staff cannot identify a
rationale for continuing to prohibit bicycle riding on these particular paved trails. The
City Council has, therefore, directed that an ordinance be prepared to
permanently remove the hard-surfaced paths in Brookside Park from the list of
locations where bicycle riding is prohibited.
The existing Code section also prohibits bike riding in Munn Woods, East River
Valley Park, and on the Audubon Trail in Brookside Park (an unpaved trail
through forested portions of Brookside Park). These prohibitions would remain in
effect under the proposed ordinance change. Because Brookside Park is on
property leased from Iowa State University, City staff has consulted with ISU regarding
this proposed change, and ISU has indicated its approval.
It should be noted that the Mayor and City Council plan to host a community bike ride
on May 12. A portion of that route involves riding bicycles through Brookside Park.
Because a permanent ordinance change to allow bicycle riding on these paths in
Brookside Park will require three readings (and would, therefore, not be in effect until
sometime in June), staff is also requesting that the City Council suspend
enforcement of this ordinance with respect only to the hard surfaced paths in
Brookside Park beginning May 9tn.
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ALTERNATIVES:
1. a. Approve first reading of the attached ordinance to remove the hard
surfaced pathways of Brookside Park from the list of locations where
bicycling is prohibited under Sec. 19.12 of Municipal Code
b. Suspend enforcement of Sec. 19.12 with respect only to the hard surfaced
pathways in Brookside Park effective May 9, 2018.
2. Do not approve a permanent ordinance change, and direct staff to plan an
alternative route for the Mayor and Council's Bike Ride on May 12cn
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It appears the existing prohibition on bike riding on these particular paved trails in
Brookside Park is a remnant from prior to them being paved. It does not appear that
removing this prohibition will have a detrimental effect to the park. These trails are a
valuable recreational and transportation amenity to bicycle riders in the community.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council adopt
Alternative # 1 a and 1 b as described above.
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