Albany council advances overhaul of bicycle-parking rules to encourage e-bikes, cargo bikes

Albany City Council at its Sept. 2 meeting introduced and waived first reading of an ordinance that would expand and update the city's bicycle-parking rules to reflect growing e-bike and cargo-bike use and to support the city's climate goals.

The ordinance amendment, presented by Planning Manager Leslie Mendez, would apply new long-term and short-term bicycle-parking requirements to new commercial, public, quasi-public, industrial, mixed-use and multifamily developments, and to larger temporary events. The council's action at the meeting set an amended package of technical changes and moved some operational standards into administrative regulations for staff to adjust later.

Mendez said the revisions respond to changing mobility trends: "The goals of these amendments are to support climate and sustainability by encouraging bicycling, to accommodate new mobility trends such as cargo and e-bicycles, to integrate bicycle parking into public and private spaces, and to set clear practical standards to lessen the burden on development." She noted the changes must meet a state deadline tied to AB 306 and the state building code (CalGreen) for residential requirements.

Key proposed changes adopted for first reading include: - For multifamily housing: 1 long-term bicycle space per dwelling unit plus 1 short-term space per 20 units, with a proposed amendment on the floor to require 1.5 long-term spaces for units with two or more bedrooms (the council supported that change). - For nonresidential uses: 1 long-term space per 10 employees or per 10,000 square feet (whichever is greater) and 1 short-term space per 1,500 square feet. - For temporary events: a short-term bicycle-parking requirement based on simultaneous attendees (the council moved the specific event calculation to the administrative regulations so staff can adjust the standard if needed). - Accessibility and design updates: at least 50% of long-term spaces must not require lifting a bicycle; a minimum of 20% of long-term spaces must accommodate larger bicycles (longer lengths) and include electrical outlet access for charging; sidewalk clearance in key commercial corridors would be raised (policy moved into administrative rules so staff can set context-sensitive minimums).

The Planning & Zoning Commission recommended some stronger thresholds (40% large-bike spaces and 50% electric-capable long-term spaces). Staff recommended the lower percentages as a balance between accommodating larger bikes and preserving limited real estate in commercial and housing projects.

Councilmember Jordan, who proposed several technical amendments, told colleagues the changes were intended to set a reasonable floor so developers do not provide zero bicycle parking: "The purpose of the regulation is to put a floor for those applicants who might just try to do zero if they had a choice." Jordan also requested that required counts be rounded up (so small projects receive at least one short-term rack) and that event counts be based on simultaneous attendance rather than cumulative attendance over a day.

Residents and bicycle-advocacy groups spoke in favor of stronger long-term requirements. Lucinda Young of the Albany Climate Action Coalition said one long-term bike space per unit is not sufficient for many households: "One is inadequate. You often have at least two or more people living in a unit, and each needs their own bicycle." Other commenters urged the council to preserve painted and powder-coated rack options used by local businesses and arts groups.

Council action: Councilmember Jordan moved to introduce and waive first reading of the ordinance with a package of amendments (including the 1.5 long-term spaces for two-bedroom units, rounding up required counts, moving technical right-of-way clearance rules to administrative regulations, and moving event-calculation specifics to administrative rules). The motion passed unanimously by those present.

The ordinance returns for second reading later this month; administrative regulations will be prepared by staff and routed for Transportation Commission review before final adoption.

Why it matters: Albany has eliminated minimum automobile parking for many project types and is updating bicycle-parking rules to reduce vehicle miles traveled and support residents who rely on bicycles for daily trips. The changes also aim to future-proof infrastructure for heavier, larger, and electric bicycles.

Votes at a glance: The introductory motion to waive first reading and adopt the ordinance amendments passed with recorded affirmative votes from Mayor Robin D. Lopez, Vice Mayor McQuaid, Councilmember Jordan and Councilmember Mickey. Councilmember Anser Romero was absent.

What's next: Staff will bring the ordinance back for a second reading and will present the proposed administrative regulations to the Transportation Commission for feedback before publishing them for an effective date aligned to state deadlines.