Bainbridge Islanders,
The public is asking what is the city doing about electric bicycles. The use and popularity of electric bicycles is growing. We see them everywhere. Considering our hilly environment, they provide needed accessibility for many riders, and they are a great low-carbon form of transportation. I am even thinking of buying one. But some residents are concerned that electric bicycles go too fast, and they feel some regulations or speed limits need to be imposed.
The State of Washington classifies electric bicycles into three categories:
· Class 1 electric-assisted bicycles are electric bikes that provide motor assistance only when the rider is pedaling and stops providing power when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 mph.
· Class 2 electric-assisted bicycle means an electric bike in which the motor may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle and is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 mph.
· Class 3 electric-assisted bicycles provide motor assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 mph and has a speedometer.
There are no age limitations to ride a Class 1 or 2 bicycle. Riders must be at least 16 years old to operate a Class 3 electric bike. Manufacturers are supposed to label the classification number, top electric-assisted speed, and motor output wattage on the bikes.
Pursuant to the Revised Code of Washington, Class 1 and Class 2 bicycles can operate on a “shared-use path or any part of the highway designated for the use of bicycles.” However, local jurisdictions may impose additional limits on where Class 1 and Class 2 bicycles are ridden. Class 3 bikes are not permitted on shared-use pathways, like a sidewalk or bike trail, unless a local jurisdiction specifically allows it. Otherwise, it must stay on the street. Motorized scooters are whole other story.
I anticipate the question of whether or not additional restrictions should be imposed on electric bikes will be brought before the City Council at a future City Council meeting. It will provide a great opportunity to discuss the pros and cons. I also anticipate discussing closing a loophole that appears to exclude electric bicycles from our bike helmet law.
No matter what, this will be a good weekend to ride our bikes. Be safe and please share the road.
|
Best,
Blair King
City Manager
|
|
|
|
The City of Bainbridge Island is proud to participate in the National Urban Fellows Program.
Since 1968 the National Urban Fellows (NUF) has developed “accomplished and courageous professionals of all ethnic and racial backgrounds, particularly people of color and women, to be leaders and change agents in the public and non-profit sectors, with a strong commitment to social justice and equity.”
NUF is a leadership accelerator and talent pipeline for mid- career professionals committed to equity, public service, and social impact. NUF is the only program in the U.S. that offers the following:
- A fully funded master's degree
- Mentoring by senior executives
- Full-time residencies at renowned institutions
- Targeted national recruiting of exemplary Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) and female candidates
- Leadership development support with an emphasis on equity
Ellyze Francisco, a Public Policy student from Georgetown University, will join our team this September for a one-year paid internship. She will work directly with the City Manager and the Deputy City Manager to learn first-hand the inner workings of city business. We’re excited to have Ellyze join us in the coming months.
|
|
|
|
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training |
|
|
|
This week, the city conducted its first of three Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training sessions for city staff. The training is required for all regular employees. Sessions are four hours long, facilitated by a professional racial equity consultant and will be held through September.
The training is designed to introduce the concepts of racial equity, and how leading with a racial equity lens sets us on the path to create equity for all.
The goal of the training is for all employees to have a baseline understanding of the importance of equity, in particular to our government organization.
|
|
|
|
We are expecting high heat next week. We are watching the forecast and temperatures may exceed 90 degrees. If temperatures exceed 90 degrees for four or more consecutive hours, the cooling center at the Bainbridge Island Senior Center at Waterfront Park may be activated to provide respite and relief from the heat. Please avoid heat exhaustion by finding shade and staying hydrated.
Also, when we hit higher temperatures, we want the community to be especially careful with water consumption. Water demand goes up with hotter temperatures, which puts a strain on pumps and infrastructure.
It’s also a good idea to fireproof your property by managing vegetation, fuel sources and other flammable materials on (such as your roof or in gutters) or around your home. You can learn more about fire prevention via the website.
If you plan to head down to the water to cool off, please wear life vests when boating, paddle boarding, kayaking and other such water sports. Be mindful of those around you in pools or public water access areas where there aren’t lifeguards.
|
|
|
|
Seeking Community Input Through the National Community Survey |
|
|
|
Bainbridge Island Police Department |
|
|
|
Vehicle prowls and thefts continue to be a problem in our neighborhoods.
It appears many of the vehicles were unlocked and had the keys inside.
BIPD needs your help in identifying two suspects from the vehicle prowl on Monte Vista last week. Please watch this video and if you have any information, please contact Detective Eric Huska at (206) 842-5211.
|
|
|
|
Skip the Straw for Plastic Free July |
|
|
|
Did you know we use over 200 million plastic straws in the U.S every day? And single-use plastic straws are not recyclable. Some plastic straws make it to the landfill, but many end up in the ocean. In fact, plastic straws are one of the top 10 items found during beach cleanups.
The City of Bainbridge Island is doing their part to reduce the use of single use plastics by requiring businesses to only provide single-use food service products, like straws, when customers ask. You can do your part by saying no to plastic straws or bringing your own reusable straw!
Photo credit: Brightaction.org
|
|
|
|
Sportsman Club/New Brooklyn Project on Schedule |
|
|
|
The next scheduled City Council Regular Business Meeting will be on July 26. Key topics include:
- A draft ordinance related to Affordable Housing on Religious Properties.
- A budget amendment to support the inclusion of an Emergency Operations Center in the Police/Court Facility.
- A request to redirect $61,000 of American Rescue Plan funding to partially support development of an Americans with Disabilities Act transition plan.
Ways to Watch
- In-person at the City Hall City Council Chambers
-
City website livestream (visit the Agendas & Minutes page, then click on "In Progress" when the meeting starts)
- BKAT (Channel 12 on Comcast & Channel 3 on WAVE
The public is invited to contact members of the City Council to express concerns, questions and praise. Some council members are holding virtual office hours and others are available to meet upon request.
Please visit the City Council page for more information on individual City Council members.
|
|
|
|
Public Participation - Project Proposal for the Inn at Pleasant Beach Village |
|
|
|
Public Participation Meeting - Subdivision Proposal for Baker Hill |
|
|
|
The City invites you to attend a Public Participation Meeting for Baker Hill 7, a proposal to subdivide two lots totaling 6.34 acres into seven single-family residential lots, on July 28, 2022 at 6:45 p.m.
The property is located in the 6000 - 6100 block of Baker Hill Road. The public participation meeting is with the Planning Commission and is intended to provide the project proponent an opportunity to hear and respond to questions, comments, and assessments of a project proposal before submitting land use application.
Meetings are currently held in person at City Hall (280 Madison Ave. N) and via Zoom: To attend/participate via Zoom, click the meeting link on the City’s home page calendar at www.bainbridgewa.gov
|
|
|
|
New Permit Fees Coming September 1st |
|
|
|
 |
Tuesday, July 26, 2022 @ 6 p.m. Council Regular Business Meeting
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022 Council Study Session canceled
Friday, Aug. 19 - Celebrate 10th Anniversary of Akio Suyematsu Day
Tuesday, Aug. 23 Council Business Meeting canceled
Tuesday, Sept. 6 Council Study Session canceled
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
