On-street Parking for Cargo Bikes

For many families, an electric-assist cargo bike could meet most transportation needs at a fraction of the cost of an automobile, if they had a place to park the cargo bike. A cargo bike occupies much less space than an automobile. Nevertheless, in many areas of Ward 11, the only practical parking location for a cargo bike is on the public right of way. Under Municipal Code 925, the city issues free right of way parking permits to motorcycles. However, all bicycles are excluded from such permits, because they do not bear a unique, legally required licence plate. The city has repeatedly decided not to require bicycles to bear a licence. This obstacle is preventing a number of my constituents from purchasing cargo bicycles. Amendments to Municipal Code 925 that could resolve this conundrum include at least the following: 1. Permitting cargo bikes to park in the same places on the public right of way where a private automobile may park, as if they had a parking permit, without requiring them to purchase a permit; or 2. Permitting owners of cargo bikes to voluntarily apply for and display a unique licence plate, and allowing those who do so to purchase a parking permit. This motion will direct staff to recommend the best available option.