TITLE
Recommendation to declare ordinance amending the Long Beach Municipal Code by amending Sections 10.48.060, 10.51.050, 10.52.040 and 10.54.040, all relating to the Mark Bixby Memorial Bicycle-Pedestrian Path, read and adopted as read.
DISCUSSION
The Mark Bixby Memorial Bicycle and Pedestrian Path (Bike Path) connects the bicycle network east of the Los Angeles River, across Ocean Boulevard and over the Long Beach International Gateway Bridge (07‐0W150). While the Bike Path has remained closed due to construction activity within the Harbor District, it is anticipated that the bike path will open to the public in May of 2023.
The State of California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) owns the Long Beach International Gateway Bridge. Operations and maintenance of the bridge are covered in District Agreement No. 07‐5233. However, the Port’s Maintenance Division is responsible for limited elements of work including sweeping the path, trash collection, and graffiti removal. If approved by ordinance, the Security Division will be responsible for opening and closing the path and enforcing the restrictions proposed in this action. The entry points to the Bike Path, on both the western and eastern side, are located within the Harbor District in the City of Long Beach, thereby requiring a revision of the Municipal Codes to enforce the proposed restrictions.
Representatives from the City of Long Beach and Caltrans have mutually determined due to the unique nature, steep grades, and shared bicycle and pedestrian use on the Mark Bixby Memorial Bicycle and Pedestrian Path (Bike Path), certain operational and access restrictions are necessary and appropriate. The following amendments will safeguard navigational and commercial operations and advance the safety of persons and property within the Harbor District:
• Chapter 10.48.060 will be amended to prohibit the use of the Bike Path between the hours of 9:00 pm and 5:00 am by persons other than authorized City employees.
• Chapter 10.51.050 will be amended to include the Bike Path as a designated area prohibiting the use of Electrically Motorized Boards (EMBs).
• Chapter 10.52.040 will be amended to include the Bike Path as a designated area prohibiting the use of roller skates.
• Chapter 10.54.040 will be amended to include the Bike Path as a designated area prohibiting the use of skateboards.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on March 14, 2023 in advance of the planned opening of the Mark Bixby Memorial Bicycle and Pedestrian Path in May 2023.
FISCAL IMPACT
This action has no fiscal impact. The resources to meet the security responsibilities reflected in the updated ordinance are included in the existing Harbor Department operating budget.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
BODY
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF LONG BEACH AMENDING THE LONG BEACH
MUNICIPAL CODE BY AMENDING SECTIONS 10.48.060,
10.51.050, 10.52.040 AND 10.54.040, ALL RELATING TO
THE MARK BIXBY MEMORIAL BICYCLE-PEDESTRIAN
PATH
Respectfully Submitted,
MARIO CORDERO
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR