Chapter 16.48
BICYCLES
Sections:
16.48.010 Applicability of regulations.
16.48.015 Seizure and forfeiture.
16.48.018 Parental responsibility.
16.48.110 Obedience to traffic control devices.
16.48.130 Riding on sidewalks prohibited in business districts.
16.48.140 Penalty for violation.
16.48.005 Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meaning indicated, unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
“Bicycle” means every device propelled solely by human power, upon which a person or persons may ride, having two tandem wheels either of which is 16 inches or more in diameter, or three wheels, any one of which is more than 20 inches in diameter, and within this chapter shall include any attached trailers, side cars, and/or other device being towed by a bicycle.
“Bicycle” can also mean “electric-assisted bicycle” – every device with two or three wheels, a saddle, fully operative pedals for human propulsion, and an electric motor. The electric-assisted bicycle’s electric motor must have a power output of no more than 1,000 watts, be incapable of propelling the device at a speed of more than 20 miles per hour on level ground, and be incapable of further increasing the speed of the device when human power alone is used to propel the device beyond 20 miles per hour.
“Guardian” means a parent, legal guardian, adult with custody, or temporary guardian who maintains responsibility, whether voluntary or otherwise, for the safety and welfare of a person under the age of 18 years. (Ord. 1408 § 1, 2006).
16.48.010 Applicability of regulations.
(a) The parent of any child and the guardian of any ward shall not authorize or knowingly permit any such child or ward to violate any of the provisions of this chapter.
(b) These regulations applicable to bicycles shall apply whenever a bicycle is operated upon any street or upon any public path set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles, subject to those exceptions stated herein. (Ord. 505 § 54, 1964).
16.48.015 Seizure and forfeiture.
All bicycles operated in violation of this chapter are subject to seizure and forfeiture in the following manner:
(a) First Seizure. Any person who has property seized for the first time pursuant to this chapter may prevent forfeiture of said property by contacting the Fircrest police department within 10 days of receipt of notice of violation and request the property be returned. All monetary penalties imposed must be paid prior to release of seized property.
(b) Second Seizure. Any person who has property seized a second time pursuant to this chapter may cause the property to be impounded for a period of no less than 10 days from receipt of notice of violation. All monetary penalties imposed must be paid prior to the release of property.
(c) Third and Future Seizures. Any person who has property seized a third or more times pursuant to this chapter shall cause the property to be subject to forfeiture. The Fircrest chief of police, or designee, may apply to the court for an order of forfeiture in accordance with RCW 35.20.250. (Ord. 1414 § 1, 2006).
16.48.018 Parental responsibility.
It is unlawful for any parent, guardian or other person having control or custody of a minor child to allow said minor to operate a bicycle in violation of this chapter. (Ord. 1414 § 2, 2006).
16.48.020 – 16.48.100
Repealed by Ord. 1408. (Ord. 597 § 4, 1969; Ord. 505 §§ 55 – 63, 1964).
16.48.110 Obedience to traffic control devices.
(a) Any person operating a bicycle shall obey the instructions of official traffic control signals, signs, and other control devices applicable to vehicles, unless otherwise directed by a police officer.
(b) Whenever authorized signs are erected indicating that no right or left or U-turn is permitted, no person operating a bicycle shall disobey the direction of any such sign, except where such person dismounts from the bicycle to make any such turn, in which event such person shall then obey the regulations applicable to pedestrians. (Ord. 505 § 64, 1964).
16.48.120 Parking.
No person shall park a bicycle upon a street other than upon the roadway against the curb or upon the sidewalk in a rack to support the bicycle or against a building or at the curb, or other than in such manner as to afford the least obstruction to pedestrian traffic. Every person convicted of a violation of this section shall be subject to a monetary penalty in the amount of $30.00. Each act in violation of any of the provisions hereof shall be deemed a separate offense. A monetary penalty of $25.00 shall also be imposed for failure to respond to a notice of infraction relating to parking. (Ord. 1414 § 3, 2006; Ord. 505 § 65, 1964).
16.48.130 Riding on sidewalks prohibited in business districts.
(a) No person shall ride a bicycle upon a sidewalk within a business district.
(b) The police chief is authorized to erect signs on any sidewalk or roadway prohibiting the riding of bicycles thereon by any person and, when such signs are in place, no person shall disobey them.
(c) Whenever any person is riding a bicycle upon a sidewalk, such person shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give audible signal before overtaking and passing such pedestrian. (Ord. 597 § 1, 1969; Ord. 505 § 66, 1964).
16.48.140 Penalty for violation.
Every person convicted of a violation of any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of a traffic infraction and shall be subject to a monetary penalty in the amount of $101.00. Each act in violation of any of the provisions hereof shall be deemed a separate traffic infraction offense. A monetary penalty of $52.00 shall also be imposed for failure to respond to a notice of infraction relating to any violation of this chapter. (Ord. 1408 § 2, 2006; Ord. 1034 § 2, 1993; Ord. 987 § 38, 1991; Ord. 834 § 38, 1986; Ord. 505 § 67, 1964).