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Description of the ask from City Council

The RCAC was asked by the City Council in Spring, 2023 to provide a recommendation on whether or not to allow e-bikes in Rockville Hills Regional Park.

This recommendation pertains to the current prohibition of

e-bikes per Fairfield City Ordinance 2020-04

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Research and work done to form our recommendation

Deployed a RHRP user survey in June 2023 Interviewed Directors from Skyline Wilderness Park and East Bay Regional Park District to understand expected vs. actual impact.

Listened to community comments during RCAC meetings.

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Learnings from our research (1 of 3)

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Learnings from our research (2 of 3)

Increased Use: Expect an increase in use of the park if e-bikes are permitted

Increased Trail Erosion: Data suggests trail erosion is a function of overall mountain bikes used on the trail. Increased use leads to increased erosion and maintenance need. It is unclear if e-bikes accelerate trail erosion at a rate above what conventional bikes demonstrate.

Speed is Similar: Class 1 and 2 e-bikes do not reach speeds faster than conventional bikes. User skill and trail conditions are better predictors of speed and safety.

Types of e-Bikes Permitted: When e-bikes are permitted in parks, Class 1 bikes are most often permitted, Class 2 bikes are inconsistently permitted. Class 3 bikes do go faster, and are prohibited in most parks.

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Learnings from our research (3 of 3)

Increased Traffic and Accidents: Increase in bike use may result in increases in injuries and potential user conflicts. This increase is not expected at a rate above our current injuries due to e-bikes, but rather due to increase overall bike usage in the park.

Equal Access: Allowing e-bikes in RHRP conforms with allowing appropriate access to interested bicycle groups to promote Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity of its residents.

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The RCAC recommends allowing Class 1 e-bikes into RHRP with the following action items (1 of 2):

#1. Staffing

RCAC believes Park staffing is insufficient based on current user load and is not currently in line with recommendations with LSA Management Plan Dated December 2002.

Solution – Increase Ranger to that specified in LSA Management Plan Dated December 17, 2002

#2. Volunteerism

RCAC believes increased community engagement will significantly enhance the experience of safety

Solution: Dedicated volunteer coordinator (unpaid) to organize a volunteer program
Solution: Revitalize the Rockville Hills Regional park ambassador program (page 7 Park Ambassador Program LSA Management Plan Dated December 17, 2002)

#3. Increase park entrance fee

Solution: Increase entrance fee to fund additional staffing for safety and compliance.
Solution: update fee structure.

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The RCAC recommends allowing Class 1 e-bikes into RHRP with the following action items (2 of 2):

RCAC also recommends a six-month impact assessment to addess the following:

#1. Trail Maintenance

To understand if trails remain safe with increased usership.

#2. Safety

To understand if trails continue to be safe with increased traffic flow, e.g., trail signage, collisions, speed, etiquette.

#3. Parking

Assess parking conditions and capacity.

#4. Assess progress on volunteerism and staffing.

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Summary

The RCAC recommends:

Allowing e-bikes (Class 1 only) to the park should only be implemented if the resourcing is provided to ensure that the park is a safe experience for all.

Staffing, Volunteerism, and increased entrance fees are the most important elements for initial adoption.
Impact assessment to be performed at 6 months for the following: Trail Maintenance, Safety, and Parking.

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