Title
Resolution to Establish a Bicycle Registration Information Package and Amend the Fee for Bicycle Registration
Memorandum
Attached for your approval is a Resolution to facilitate the creation of an enhanced and improved bicycle registration program and adjust the fee accordingly. In an earlier action at this meeting, an Ordinance to Amend Section 10:162 of Chapter 127 of the City Code was presented for its second reading, which replaces the program created three decades ago that provides for a one-time registration process for bicycles. Once a bike was registered under this original program, the record stayed on file permanently. The registrant received a registration sticker and the information from the registration form about the owner and the bicycle was maintained in the City Clerk's office. The cost for this one time process was $8.00. There was no information provided related to bike system elements or proper bicycling techniques. The City currently registers approximately 700 bicycles annually.
It is believed that many of the registrations on file with the City Clerk's office relate to bicycles that are no longer in use, nor located in the City. This is due to the age of the registration(s) and the number of registrations related to college students. Student registrations might only be relevant for a period of four or five years while a student resides in the City.
Since the adoption of the Bicycle Registration Ordinance, thousands of bicycles have been registered. City Staff and the Alternative Transportation Committee recommend the process be amended for several reasons. The primary purpose of the registration process amendment is to streamline recordkeeping. Staff and the Alternative Transportation Committee recommend a City of Ann Arbor Bicycle Registration be valid for a period of five years, eliminating the requirement that registration records be maintained indefinitely. With a five-year renewal period, the bicycle registration files will be more directly related to the bicycles being operated in the City.
In addition to the benefits of streamlining the quantity of information maintained in the City Clerk's office, the Alternative Transportation Committee also recommends that any individual registering a bicycle be provided information about bicycling in our community. The Alternative Transportation Committee recommends that registrants be provided a City of Ann Arbor Bicycle Map and information on how to safely bicycle in the City. It is widely recognized by the City Staff, Alternative Transportation Committee and bicycling community that public education and information is a fundamental component of a successful bicycling program.
Additionally, Section 10:162(3)(f) of the amended City Code requires the fees for registration be established by City Council resolution. The intent is to revise the fee to address our costs at the time the revised process is placed into effect. At this time, the revised fee is proposed to be three dollars for a five-year bicycle registration. This is less than the current charge of eight dollars but is sufficient to cover the costs of the process.
Staff
Prepared by: Eli Cooper, Transportation Program Manager, Systems Planning Unit
Reviewed by: Sue F. McCormick, Public Services Administrator
Approved by: Roger W. Fraser, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor has achieved recognition as a "Bicycle Friendly Community" for maintaining policies and provisions assuring a safe, convenient and comprehensive non-motorized system;
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor maintains a bicycle registration process allowing the City to maintain a record of bicycles operated in the city, deter bicycle theft, enable a bicyclist the potential to reclaim lost or stolen bikes, if found, and the ability to file an insurance claim for stolen bikes;
Whereas, Having an increasing percentage and number of cyclists registering their bicycles provides useful information that helps provide the impetus to make further bicycle facilities improvements in the City;
Whereas, It is recognized that bicycle system and safety information can aid cyclists by describing where safe facilities exist and how to ride in a safe and lawful manner; and
Whereas, Non-motorized system and safety information provided to bicyclists is an essential component to assuring proper and safe use of the City's transportation system elements includes streets, sidewalks, crosswalks and bicycle paths and lanes;
RESOLVED, The City Council determines that a Bicycle Registration is a beneficial service;
RESOLVED, That Bicycle Registrants shall receive a City of Ann Arbor bicycle information package, including items such as a City of Ann Arbor Bicycle Map, bicycle safety informational brochure(s), and an explanation of the bicycle registration renewal process, with the costs to provide these items being included in the registration fee;
RESOLVED, The bicycle registration fee is set at $3.00 for a five-year registration period, with the provision for a one-time renewal at no additional charge; and
RESOLVED, That the new bicycle registration fee set by this resolution shall take effect March 1, 2010, said date being the date the January 2010 amendments to Section 10:162 of the City Code take effect.