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1 <br />City Council <br />Meeting Minutes <br />May 2, 2017 <br />Page 3 of 10 <br />Ms Beasley showed two videos of resident seniors and how they use the services at <br />the Senior Center <br />ORDINANCE NO. 1736, SERIES 2017 — AN ORDINANCE AMENDING TITLE 4, <br />TITLE 10, AND TITLE 14 OF THE LOUISVILLE MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING <br />ELECTRICAL ASSISTED BICYCLES — 2ND READING — PUBLIC HEARING <br />(advertised Daily Camera 04/23/2017) <br />Attorney Light introduced the ordinance by title noting this is the second reading and <br />public hearing. <br />Planner Ritchie stated the proposed ordinance amends Titles 4, 10 and 14 of the <br />Louisville Municipal Code (LMC) to allow Class 1 and Class 2 electrical assisted <br />bicycles (e -bikes) within the City. <br />Planner Ritchie stated e -bikes look nearly identical to a traditional bicycle and include a <br />small electric motor and battery to provide motorized assistance through a pedal or <br />throttle. There are three e -bike classifications; Classl, Class 2, and Class 3. E -bikes <br />can encourage people to bike who otherwise may not, including older adults, people <br />with physical limitations, commuters with longer distances to travel, and riders in hilly <br />areas. <br />She noted Commuting Solutions, the regional multi -modal transportation advocacy <br />organization, is working on an effort to promote e -bikes on the recently opened US 36 <br />Bikeway. They are requesting each jurisdiction on US 36 allow e -bikes on the Bikeway, <br />as well as more broadly throughout the City <br />Planner Ritchie noted Council directed staff to revise the ordinance to allow both Class <br />1 and Class 2 e -bikes on all streets and trails within Louisville, rather than just Class 1 <br />e -bikes Staff has amended the ordinance accordingly. She stated staff recommends <br />approval of this ordinance. <br />Councilmember Leh asked if Class 2 e -bikes have safety issues with the throttle and <br />braking as was mentioned in one video in the packet. Ms. Ritchie stated the Class 2 <br />bikes are widely sold and should have proper safety reviews. <br />Councilmember Loo noted staff and Council have studied both sides of this issue and <br />stated she has gotten many comments from residents in support of this legislation. <br />Public Comments <br />Barbara Guthrie, 441 Elk Trail, Lafayette, stated she recently bought an e -bike that she <br />loves. She stated it is very safe and a great way to get around the various bike trails and <br />enjoy the outdoors She supports the ordinance. <br />