Administrative
Report
N.3., File # 22-3839 Meeting Date: 9/6/2022
To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: BRANDY FORBES, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
TITLE
DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION TO CONSIDER OPTIONS TO EXPAND INSTALLATION OF
BIKE RACKS ON COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City Council, in its Strategic Plan, requested a discussion item to review options for expanded installation of bike racks on commercial properties.
The City’s current regulations have limited requirements for bicycle parking as part of a commercial development. In Redondo Beach, bicycle racks or other secure bicycle parking is only required for nonresidential developments of 50,000 square feet or more. As well, the City does not have any incentive programs in place to encourage commercial businesses to install or expand bicycle parking on their sites. Most development projects that are smaller in scale, especially neighborhood serving businesses, would benefit from providing bicycle parking. Creating space for this alternative mode of transportation at a business could also reduce automobile trips to and from the site.
BACKGROUND
The City of Redondo Beach has limited regulations requiring bike racks on commercial properties, and no incentive programs to encourage businesses to install them. Bicycle parking is only required on site for nonresidential developments of 50,000 square feet or more, as part of a Transportation Demand Management plan for the development. This agenda item is for City Council to consider options to expand the installation of bike racks on commercial properties and direct staff on which to pursue.
In evaluating requirements in other municipalities, staff discovered the following options in nearby cities.
Sample Regulations Requiring Bicycle Parking
Hermosa Beach
In general, Hermosa Beach, only requires bike racks in nonresidential developments of 50,000 square feet or more as part of a Transportation Demand Management plan (similar to Redondo Beach requirement). They do have a requirement for bicycle parking/storage at emergency shelters.
Hermosa also requires bicycle parking in their Specific Plan for the “Upper Pier Avenue” area as follows:
N.3., File # 22-3839 Meeting Date: 9/6/2022
HBMC 17.38.550(I)(5). Secure bicycle parking facilities shall be supplied at the rate of one (1) space per seven (7) employees or three thousand (3,000) square feet of floor area. Bicycle facilities installed onsite shall not be placed within required pedestrian ways. Where facilities cannot be accommodated onsite as determined by the community development director or planning commission, the developer shall pay a commensurate fee adopted by the city for the provision and installation of bicycle parking facilities along Pier Avenue in a manner determined by the public works director. ’Secure’ facilities means firmly attached devices in well-lit locations, protected from rain if feasible.
Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach requires bicycle parking at a rate of 5% of the requirement for automobile parking spaces, with a few use exceptions where bicycle use of patrons or employees wouldn’t be expected (i.e., ambulance services, animal boarding, catering services, commercial filming, funeral and internment services, etc.). The requirements are as follows:
MBMC 10.64.080(C). Design Requirements. For each bicycle parking space required, a stationary object shall be provided to which a user can secure both wheels and the frame of a bicycle with a user-provided six-foot (6′) cable and lock. The stationary object may be either a freestanding bicycle rack or a wall-mounted bracket.
Torrance
In general, the City of Torrance only requires bike racks in nonresidential developments of 50,000 square feet or more as part of a Transportation Demand Management plan (similar to Redondo Beach requirement).
Torrance does have a Bicycle Transportation Fund, derived from the registration and licensing of bicycles, as well as any funds collected from the auction of unclaimed bicycles. The purpose of the fund is to be used solely to develop and maintain a system of bicycle routes and for any other projects of benefit to the bicyclist. Although that may go toward City sponsored bicycle projects, rather than specific to commercial developments, it is a funding source to benefit bicyclists.
Sample Incentives for Bicycle Parking
Bicycle Parking In Lieu of Automobile Spaces
The City of Los Angeles offers a program to provide bicycle parking in lieu of vehicle spaces. New or existing off-street automobile parking spaces required by the municipal code for all uses may be replaced by bicycle parking at a ratio of one automobile parking space for every four bicycle parking spaces provided. This is capped so that no more than 20% of the required automobile parking spaces for nonresidential uses shall be replaced at the site by bicycle parking. For residential building, they may replace 10% of the required automobile parking with bicycle parking. The City of Los Angeles has design standards for these bicycle parking spaces, including dimensions, how they are to accommodate bikes and locks, proximity to other bike parking, etc.
Grant Incentives
The City has provided a grant program for the Artesia/Aviation Storefront Improvement Program. The City could appropriate similar funds for businesses to apply for bicycle parking facilities on their sites.
N.3., File # 22-3839 Meeting Date: 9/6/2022
COORDINATION
The Community Development Department prepared this agenda item with input from neighboring municipalities.
FISCAL IMPACT
The preparation of this strategic planning item is within the scope and budget of the Community Development Department’s annual work program.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager