This item was referred to the Public Service Neighborhood and Quality of Life Committee at the September 14, 2022, Commission meeting.  The Administration was directed to evaluate the feasibility of utilizing cameras for the enforcement of bicycle lanes and the possible deployment of parking enforcement units on bicycles.

The City has a robust system of dedicated bicycle lanes, but they are only effective when available to cyclists.  Regrettably, camera enforcement of the bicycle lanes would not be very effective because state law allows for the momentary stopping, standing, or parking of a vehicle in prohibited spaces to pick up or discharge a passenger.

 This would cover American with Disabilities Act (ADA) considerations for a driver or passenger who may be assisting a person with special needs to access a business or facility.  Also, use of a camera for issuance of citation may not be legal, except for red light cameras.  This would require further research.

Parking enforcement officers can be deployed on bicycles. In fact, bicycle enforcement was implemented in the past during high impact weekends.  There are, however, considerations related to safety because officers would not have the protection a car can provide against volatile encounters or situations. Also, securing the bicycle and needed enforcement equipment may be an issue.  On the other hand, during peak hours, bicycles provide faster mobility and a bicycle, unlike a vehicle, would not block the bicycle lane during enforcement.