CITY of ALBUQUERQUE
TWENTY SIXTH COUNCIL
COUNCIL BILL NO. O-24-14 ENACTMENT NO. ________________________
SPONSORED BY: Louie Sanchez, by request
ORDINANCE
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Amending Portions Of The Traffic Code (Chapter 8) And Open Space Lands And Regional Preserves (Chapter 5) Of The Code Of Ordinances To Define And Regulate Electric-Assisted Bicycles, Also Known As E-Bikes, And Other Personal Motorized Modes Of Transportation (Sanchez, by request)
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WHEREAS, electronic-assisted bicycles, also known as "e-bikes", are gaining popularity across a diverse population of bicycle riders in the United States; and
WHEREAS, e-bikes are a way for individuals with disabilities and other individuals who need assistance to have access to bicycle travel and bicycle recreation; and
WHEREAS, Section 32A-24-2 NMSA 1978 of the New Mexico Child Helmet Safety Act and Sections 66-1-4.5, 66-1-4.11, 6-1-4.13, 66-3-1, 66-3-708, and 66-3-709 NMSA 1978 of the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Code define electric-assisted bicycles and regulate use on bicycle paths and trails; and
WHEREAS, e-bikes and bicycles moving at a certain speed may present a danger to residents and visitors using trails and paths for recreation or exercise; and
WHEREAS, the City's Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for management of the City's Open Space lands for low-impact recreation, trails, solitude, wildlife habitat, and expansive views; and
WHEREAS, the City's Parks and Recreation Department wishes to preserve the values of solitude and low impact recreation on Open Space Trails and Regional Preserves while accommodating the need for public access; and
WHEREAS, the City's Parks and Recreation Department and the public welfare would benefit from having e-bikes defined in the Revised Ordinances of Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1994, for the purposes of explicitly allowing or disallowing e-bikes on specific City trails; and
WHEREAS, the City's Parks and Recreation De...
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