ACTION:
____________________________
Clerk/Secretary
Department: City Manager Item No: D1
Prepared by:
Joshua Sino Cruz, Assistant to the City
Manager Meeting Date: April 9, 2024
Approved by:
Imelda M. Huerta, Assistant City Manager
John Conley, City Manager Agenda Location: Discussion
SUBJECT: E-BIKE SAFETY TRAINING & REBATE PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION: Discuss the implementation of an e-bike safety training course with an affiliated rebate program.
CORRELATION TO CITY COUNCIL GOALS: Public Safety
PRIOR ACTION: On January 9, 2024, introduced and adopted City Council Ordinance 2024-1, amending Chapter 10.68 of the Vista Municipal Code regarding bicycles.
On November 14, 2023, adopted City Council Resolution 2023-202, amending the Operational Budget for Fiscal Years 2023/24 and 2024/25, and amending the Capital Project Budget for Fiscal Years 2022/23 and 2023/24 (Vote: 5-0).
On January 27, 2015, adopted City Council Ordinance 2015-3 amending section 10.68.100 of the Vista Municipal Code with Respect to Bicycles on Sidewalks (Vote: 4-1, Rigby opposed).
On November 10, 1998, adopted City Council Ordinance 98-12 amending Section 10.68 of the Vista Municipal Code Prohibiting the Operation of Bicycles on Sidewalks (Vote: 4-0).
On September 8, 1975, adopted City Council Ordinance 75-36 amending certain sections of Chapter 5 of the Vista City Code pertaining to Regulations Regarding Bicycle Licenses (Vote: 5-0).
PRIOR TRAFFIC COMMISSION ACTION: On December 6, 2023, approved a draft amending Chapter
10.68 of the Vista Municipal Code regarding bicycles and recommended City Council approval (Vote: 6-0, Alberto absent).
STATEMENT ON THE SUBJECT: On November 14, 2023, the City Council approved the allocation of $100,000 in Fiscal Year 2022/23 excess cannabis revenue for the implementation of an e-bike safety and training course with an affiliated rebate program. The program aims to promote the use of e-bikes as a sustainable and efficient mode of transportation while ensuring the safety of riders.
E-bikes have gained popularity in recent years due to their convenience and affordability. However, concerns regarding safety and proper usage remain prevalent. To address these concerns and encourage the adoption of e-bikes, staff proposes the introduction of a rebate program coupled with safety training.
AGENDA
REPORT
CITY COUNCIL
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
SUCCESSOR AGENCY
BUENA SANITATION DISTRICT
JOINT POWERS FINANCING AUTHORITY
Discussed the implementation of an e-bike safety training course with an affiliated rebate program.
No vote taken.
MEETING DATE: April 9, 2024 PAGE 2
SUBJECT: E-BIKE SAFETY TRAINING & REBATE PROGRAM
The City plans on partnering with the San Diego County Bike Coalition to conduct virtual training sessions focused on e-bike safety. These sessions will serve as a basic training course, covering essential safety guidelines and best practices for e-bike riders. Furthermore, a 3-hour in-person training course will also be offered, limited to 20 participants per session. This course will include hands-on, practical training on e-bike usage and safety. The in-person training aims to provide a more comprehensive understanding of e-bike operation and safety measures. Staff will also incorporate the distribution of helmets into this program which the City Council approved funds for with Fiscal Year 2022/23 excess cannabis revenue funds.
Staff proposes that after attending one or both classes, residents will have the opportunity to apply for a rebate. To qualify, one must provide proof of residency within the City of Vista as well as proof of an e-bike purchase following attendance at one of the training sessions. An eligible purchase would have to be made 12 months prior to, or 12 months following the training class. Purchases can be made online, at a San Diego North County business, or at a City of Vista business with an active business license.
Attendees of the virtual session would receive a $50 rebate. Those attending the hands-on session are eligible to receive rebates of $100 for online purchases, $200 for purchases from North County businesses, $300 for purchases from City of Vista licensed businesses, and $400 for any of the aforementioned places of purchase if they meet low-income criteria. Moreover, for low-income residents unable to cover the up-front expense, staff can allocate and reserve their rebate until they are financially able to do so, up to 12 months from the time of application. There would be a cap of up to $450 per household for rebate redemption, with each household limited to two rebates: one for the virtual class and one for the in-person class. It’s important to note that any Vista resident is welcome to sign up for the classes, regardless of whether they intend to redeem the rebate. The City Council may direct staff to modify this proposed program at their discretion.
Staff proposes to launch the program sometime in May to coincide with National Bike Month. The timing would allow City staff and our partners to leverage increased awareness regarding biking and safety across the community.
FISCAL IMPACT: A total of $100,000 in funds are available in the Non-Department Special Department Expense Year End Fund Balance Account (No. 0010145.531500.YE23A) to administer the E-Bike Safety and Rebate Program.
EXHIBITS:
1. Staff Presentation
04/09/2024 D1 2 of 5
E-BIKE SAFETY TRAINING & REBATE PROGRAM
04/09/2024 D1 3 of 5
EXHIBIT 1
E-BIKE SAFETY TRAINING & REBATE PROGRAM
04/09/2024 D1 4 of 5
E-BIKE SAFETY & REBATE PROGRAM
E-BIKE SAFETY & REBATE PROGRAMQUESTIONS/COMMENTS?
04/09/2024 D1 5 of 5