| | | | | | | | | TO: | Public Safety and Neighborhood Quality of Life Committee Members |
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| FROM:
| Alina T. Hudak, City Manager
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| | DATE: | February 14, 2024
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| | SUBJECT: | DISCUSSION REGARDING PARKING ENFORCEMENT ON BICYCLE LANES |
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| | | | | | | | HISTORY:
| At the September 14, 2022 City Commission meeting, at the request of Commissioner Alex Fernandez, the Commission referred the subject item (C4 J) to the Public Safety and Neighborhood and Quality of Life Committee (PSNQLC).
This item was included on the November 30, 2022 PSNQLC agenda, but was not heard. At the December 7, 2022 PSNQLC meeting, the item was discussed. Commissioner Fernandez raised concerns about the blocking of bicycle lanes and requested the Parking Department increase enforcement by creating a dedicated bicycle enforcement unit. Commissioner Fernandez also requested that an update be provided at the next PSNQLC meeting.
The Parking Department evaluated the feasibility of utilizing cameras for the enforcement of bicycle lanes and the possible deployment of parking enforcement units on bicycles. The Department assigned four (4) bicycle certified enforcement officers to a bike unit to enforce bicycle lanes. Prioritizing child safety, this resource initially concentrated on school zones. Enforcement updates were provided at the January 11, 2023 and March 22, 2023 PSNQLC meetings. This item has been deferred since March 22, 2023.
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| | | | | | | | ANALYSIS
| State law allows for momentary stopping, standing, or parking of a vehicle in prohibited spaces to pick up or discharge a passenger. Consequently, there are instances where for a short period of time, a bicycle lane may be blocked. This applies especially when a driver transporting a disabled or special needs person stops to afford the individual access to a business or facility.
When the bike unit was initially developed with a primary focus on school zones, the number of issued violations was low likely due to other traffic management resources such as school guards and/or police officers serving to minimize obstruction of bike lanes. Enforcement was expanded to bike lanes citywide. Currently, citywide enforcement has proven very effective in stopping general and service vehicles from blocking bicycle lanes. Since the inception of the bicycle lane enforcement detail on January 9, 2023 Parking enforcement officers have issued 275 bicycle lane violations. It is expected that the City’s robust bicycle lane system will become increasingly safe as enforcement continues.
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| | | | | | | | CONCLUSION:
The Parking Department will continue to provide officers with bicycle certification training. This training will allow for an increase in officers enforcing bicycle lanes.
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| | | | | | | | | Is this a "Residents Right to Know" item, pursuant to City Code Section 2-14? | | Does this item utilize G.O. Bond Funds? | | | Yes | | No | |
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| | | | | | | | Strategic Connection
| | Mobility - Improve the walking and biking experience. |
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