STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Mobility Solutions, Infrastructure, and Sustainability
AGENDA DATE: March 25, 2020
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): All
DEPARTMENT: Department of Transportation
EXECUTIVE: Majed Al-Ghafry
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SUBJECT
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An ordinance amending Chapter 28, "Motor Vehicles and Traffic," and Chapter 43, “Streets and Sidewalks,” of the Dallas City Code by (1) amending the regulations for dockless vehicles and motor-assisted scooters; and (2) deleting the sunset date on allowing motor-assisted scooters to operate on certain city streets and sidewalks - Financing: No cost consideration to the City
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BACKGROUND
In the summer of 2017, bike share companies began operating in the City of Dallas under a trial period. During this initial period, various companies expressed interest in deploying dockless motor assisted scooters as part of their vehicle fleet. At the time, Section 28-41.1 of the Dallas City Code prohibited the use of motor assisted scooters on City of Dallas property and rights-of-way. On June 27, 2018, City Council authorized the dockless vehicle ordinance and a temporary amendment to Chapter 28, "Motor Vehicles and Traffic," Section 28-41.1. The temporary amendment created a trial period allowing motor assisted scooters to be ridden on public rights-of-way for a period of six months, ending on December 27, 2018. On November 28, 2018, the City Council authorized the extension of the trial period by 12 months, ending on November 28, 2019. On November 13, 2019, the City Council authorized the extension of the trial period by another four months, ending on March 31, 2020.
The Department of Transportation gathered data in an effort to measure and manage the program. Three major concerns were identified: Safety, Compliance, and Infrastructure. These concerns were identified through community surveys, 311 service requests, and feedback from our Public Improvement Districts (PIDs). Recommendations were developed based on community and PID feedback. The recommendations were shared with Greater Dallas Planning Council, Downtown Dallas, Inc., Deep Ellum Foundation, Uptown Dallas, Inc. and all scooter operators for their input and comments. The Department of Transportation collaborated multiple times with the operators to discuss each of the concerns separately. The proposed code amendments include: a change in hours of operations, updated data sharing requirements, revised fee structure, and updated operational requirements for both dockless vehicle companies and riders.
The proposed code amendment also grants parking enforcement officers the authority to enforce dockless vehicle moving violations.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On February 22, 2006, City Council authorized Ordinance No. 26265 adding Section 28-41.1, “Restrictions on the Use of Motor Assisted Scooters, Pocket Bikes, and Mini-motorbikes” to Chapter 28 of the Dallas City Code. This ordinance prohibits the use of motor assisted scooters on any city-owned or city-operated property or any public path, trail, alley, street, highway, or sidewalk within the city, except on a public path or trail set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles by Resolution No. 06-0637.
The Mobility Solutions, Infrastructure & Sustainability Committee was briefed on the dockless bike share companies interested in operating in Dallas on August 14, 2017. The Committee recommended an initial program to allow dockless bike share companies to operate, monitor operations to identify possible regulatory requirements, and review data for route planning and infrastructure needs.
The Mobility Solutions, Infrastructure & Sustainability Committee was briefed on the results of the trial period and the process for policy development on February 26, 2018.
The Mobility Solutions, Infrastructure & Sustainability Committee was briefed on dockless mobility vehicles and informed they would be briefed in April 2018 on the draft ordinance and fee structure on March 26, 2018.
The Mobility Solutions, Infrastructure & Sustainability Committee was briefed on the dockless mobility ordinance and fee on April 9, 2018. The Committee’s primary concerns were the proposed permit fees and the per vehicle cost structure. Also discussed was the introduction of other types of mobility vehicles and their potential Code impacts. Specifically, the introduction of motorized scooters conflicted with a City ordinance and would need to be amended to allow their use. The ordinance amendment was briefed to the full City Council on June 6, 2018.
On June 27, 2018, City Council authorized the dockless vehicle ordinance and a temporary amendment to Chapter 28, "Motor Vehicles and Traffic," Section 28-41.1, by Resolution No. 18-0989; Ordinance 30935. The temporary amendment to Chapter 28 Section 28-41.1 allows motor assisted scooters to be ridden on public rights-of-way for a period of six months, ending on December 27, 2018, by Resolution No. 18-0989.
The Mobility Solutions, Infrastructure & Sustainability Committee was briefed on the status of the dockless vehicle program, and proposal to extend the motorized scooter ordinance for an additional six months on October 8, 2018. The Committee approved a motion to extend the motorized scooter pilot through June 2019.
On November 28, 2018, City Council authorized an ordinance amending Chapter 28, “Motor Vehicles and Traffic,” of the Dallas City Code by amending Sections 28-41.1 and 28-41.1.1; extending the sunset date of Section 28.41.1.1 to November 28, 2019; and providing that the requirements of Section 28-41.1 take effect if Section 28-41.1.1 has not been re-enacted on or before November 28, 2019, by Ordinance No. 31048.
On November 13, 2019, City Council authorized an extension of the trial period by four months with a sunset date of March 31, 2020 to finalize discussions with the dockless operators and present a draft ordinance to Council in March by Ordinance No. 31383.
The Transportation and Infrastructure Committee was briefed on the status of the dockless program and recommendations for hours of operation, safety, enforcement, and disorderly parking on December 21, 2019 and February 18, 2020.
City Council was briefed on the results of staff’s discussions with scooter operators on March 4, 2020. Following this meeting, Council’s feedback was integrated into the draft ordinance for Council consideration.
FISCAL INFORMATION
No cost consideration to the City.
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