Agenda Item No: J.2
AGENDA REPORT
DATE: September 2, 2025
TO: Mayor and Council
FROM: David Gassaway, City Manager
SUBJECT: Ordinance 2025-07 PW Amending Ordinance 2020-04 to Remove the Prohibition of use of Electric Bikes in Rockville Hills Regional Park
Amending Section 12B.4 of Chapter 12B, Parks and Recreation, Subsection H of the Fairfield City Code, to Remove the Prohibition of use of Electric Bikes in Rockville Hills Regional Park, and Allow the Use of Class 1 Electric Bikes in Rockville Hills Regional Park
Funding Source: N/A
Contact: Gary Sponsler, (707) 428-1416
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Provide second reading and adopt Ordinance 2025-07.
STATEMENT OF ISSUE
On November 20, 2007, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2007-319 establishing the Rockville Hills Regional Park Citizen Advisory Committee (RCAC) and Guidelines . The RCAC’s purpose is to assist the City in making major decisions that affect the Rockville Hills Regional Park (Park).
On March 3, 2020, staff introduced Ordinance No. 2020 -04, amending the Fairfield City Code, Chapter 12B, Parks and Recreation, Section 12B.4, Traffic and Parking Regulations, by adding Subsection h, prohibiting the use of all electric bicycles (E-Bikes) at the Park. On March 24, 2020, the council adopted the ordinance amendment.
In early 2023, the council requested that the RCAC provide a recommendation regarding the use of E-Bikes in the Park. At the council meeting held on May 20, 2025, RCAC proposed updating Ordinance 2020-04 to allow the use of E-Bikes in the Park, and the council approved updating the ordinance.
On August 19, 2025, staff introduced Ordinance No. 2025-07, amending section 12b.4 of chapter 12b, Parks and Recreation, Subsection H of the Fairfield City Code, to remove the prohibition of use of electric bikes in Rockville Hills Regional Park, and allow the use of class 1 electric bikes in Rockville Hills Regional Park.
DISCUSSION
Currently, chapter 12B of the Fairfield City Code prohibits the use of electric bicycles within City parks. As defined by the California Vehicle Code, E-Bikes are categorized into three classes:
Class 1: Provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour (mph) Class 2: Operates either via pedal-assist or throttle and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches 20 mph
Class 3: Provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and c eases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 28 mph
The proposed ordinance amendment would revise Subsection ( h) of Section 12B.4, which addresses traffic and parking regulations in City parks and open space areas. The amendment would permit the use of Class 1 E-Bikes only in the Park.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The proposed ordinance has no fiscal impact on the City. Pending the council’s approval, enforcement at the Park will be carried out by existing staff. The cost for additional signage is accounted for in the Community Facilities District 2004 fund.
PUBLIC CONTACT/ADVISORY BODY RECOMMENDATION
The RCAC delivered its final presentation , recommendation and addressed questions from the council during the meeting held on May 20, 2025. Following the presentation, the council approved moving forward with an ordinance amendment to allow Class 1 E-bike in the Park.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
The council may choose to do any of the following : either approve the proposed ordinance amendment, as recommended; or deny the proposed amendment. Rejecting the proposed amendment would maintain the current regulations, and all e-bikes would be prohibited at the Park.
COORDINATED WITH
Rockville Hills Regional Park Citizen Advisory Committee
STAFF CONTACT
Gary Sponsler, Landscape Maintenance Manager
(707) 428-7416
[email protected]
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 2: Proposed Ordinance
Attachment 3: Ordinance No. 2020-04