TO: ADAM PIRRIE, CITY MANAGER
FROM: SHELLEY DESAUTELS, CITY CLERK
DATE: APRIL 22, 2025
Reviewed by:
City Manager: AP
SUBJECT:
Title
SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE CODIFYING TRAIL ETIQUETTE STANDARDS AND REGULATING THE USE OF ELECTRIC BICYCLES IN THE CLAREMONT HILLS WILDERNESS PARK (FUNDING SOURCE: WILDERNESS PARK PARKING LOT FUND)
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SUMMARY
Electric bicycles, or e-bikes, have become an increasingly popular method of individual transportation. A change in State law in 2023 permitted e-bikes to be operated on trails by default, unless a local agency passed an ordinance restricting their use.
In August of 2024, staff released a survey for park visitors and the community to provide their feedback on the use of e-bikes. Additionally, staff implemented a “Share the Trail” education campaign to encourage respectful and safe use of the CHWP by all visitors. Staff also researched the policies of neighboring trail systems and have utilized this information in conjunction with the survey results to develop a proposed ordinance that would modify Title 11 of the Claremont Municipal Code to regulate the use of electric bikes and codify trail etiquette standards in the CHWP. Codification of these regulations and standards provides staff with the tools to enforce CHWP rules.
At the March 25, 2025 regular City Council meeting, the City Council voted to place the ordinance on first reading, with an amendment to allow Class 1 and Class 2 electric bicycles in the CHWP and to add language requiring all visitors to exercise due care when using trails. The City Council also emphasized the need for staff to provide a robust education and trail etiquette outreach program for the benefit of CHWP users.
Also, on a split vote, the portion of the proposed ordinance addressing Section 11.10.120 C. of the Claremont Municipal Code was amended to read “Fail to clean up any waste products left by their dog(s).” This removed the words or horse(s).
The final proposed ordinance (Attachment A) is before the City Council for second reading and adoption. If adopted the ordinance will take effect in thirty (30) days.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the City Council waive further reading and adopt AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF CLAREMONT AMENDING TITLE 11 OF THE CLAREMONT MUNICIPAL CODE TO ADOPT TRAIL ETIQUETTE STANDARDS AND RESTRICT THE USE OF MOTORIZED DEVICES IN THE CLAREMONT HILLS WILDERNESS PARK.
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ALTERNATIVES TO RECOMMENDATION
In addition to the staff recommendation, there are the following alternatives:
A. Request staff to make changes to the proposed Ordinance.
B. Not adopt the Ordinance.
C. Request additional information from staff.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Staff cost to conduct the survey and prepare reports is estimated at $2,137 and is included in the operating budget of the Administrative Services Department and the Recreation and Human Services Department.
Should the ordinance be adopted by the City Council, the cost to purchase and install temporary signage is estimated at $3,500. New, permanent signage would be incorporated into a concurrent project, updating all signage in the CHWP.
ANALYSIS
Background
The Claremont Hills Wilderness Park is one of the premier destinations for outdoor recreation in the Pomona Valley, welcoming over 450,000 visitors per year, as determined by the 2023 CHWP Visitor Intercept Survey. Over the past several years, e-bikes have greatly increased in popularity while technological advances continue to make these devices more affordable.
Prior to 2023, under the California Vehicle Code, Class 1 and 2 e-bikes were permitted to operate on trails unless specifically prohibited by local law. On January 1, 2023, AB 1909 took effect, which eliminated all e-bike restrictions on trails and permitted any Class of e-bike by default, unless a local agency passed an ordinance to prohibit some or all Classes of e-bikes. Since this time, City staff have received an increasing number of concerns from park visitors about the use of e-bikes. Therefore, the City Council directed staff to research potential options to regulate the use of e-bikes in the CHWP and encourage visitors to utilize proper trail etiquette. The Claremont Hills Wilderness Park Master Plan states “Inclusive and managed public access is provided as secondary to preserving the natural environment and limiting the impacts to surrounding properties. The CHWP allows for passive recreational opportunities that connect people to nature and promote healthy lifestyles.”
In response to this directive, staff prepared a draft ordinance based on data collected from survey respondents and citizen contacts. Additionally, staff developed the “Share the Trail” campaign to educate park visitors on proper trail etiquette, which was implemented in July of 2024 and has assisted in mitigating concerns.
At the March 25, 2025 regular City Council meeting, the City Council heard public comment and voted to allow Class 1 and Class 2 electric bicycles in the CHWP as outlined in the ordinance. Class 3 electric bicycles will be prohibited. The City Council further directed language be included requiring visitors to exercise due care when using the trail system; thereby creating Section 11.10.180 F.
Also, on a split vote, the portion of the ordinance addressing Section 11.10.120 C. of the Claremont Municipal Code was amended to read “Fail to clean up any waste products left by their dog(s).” This removed the words or horse(s).
Public comment received following the March 25 meeting through publication of the agenda on April 17, 2025, is included as Attachment B.
The final proposed ordinance is before the City Council for second reading and adoption. If adopted, the ordinance will take effect in thirty (30) days.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney has reviewed the proposed ordinance and approved it as to form.
RELATIONSHIP TO CITY PLANNING DOCUMENTS
Staff has evaluated the agenda item in relationship to the City’s strategic and visioning documents and finds that it applies to the following City Planning Documents: Claremont Hills Wilderness Park Master Plan, and the 2024-26 budget.
CEQA REVIEW
This item is not subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
COMMISSION REVIEW
At its March 12, 2025, special meeting, the Community and Human Services Commission voted to recommend to the City Council adoption of an ordinance prohibiting the use of Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes in the Claremont Hills Wilderness Park.
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
The agenda and staff report for this item have been posted on the City website and distributed to interested parties. If you desire a copy, please contact the City Clerk’s Office.
Submitted by:
Shelley Desautels
City Clerk
Attachments:
A - Ordinance Codifying CHWP E-Bike Usage and Trail Etiquette
B - Public Comment Received Following March 25, 2025 City Council Meeting