Chapter 10.20
BICYCLES, ROLLER SKATING, SCOOTERS AND SKATEBOARDS
Sections:
10.20.005 Findings and purpose.
10.20.020 Bicycle regulations.
10.20.030 Business and commercial zones prohibited.
10.20.040 Safe operation and control.
10.20.050 Parent or guardian control.
10.20.060 Penalty – Infraction.
Prior legislation: Ord. 491.
10.20.005 Findings and purpose.
A. The city council finds that safety in the operation of wheeled devices on public property is a high priority, and that serious injuries may occur when operators lose control or otherwise act in a negligent or careless manner. The city council finds that a risk of injury exists when operators:
1. Fail to use protective equipment.
2. Fail to keep wheeled devices and protective equipment in good condition.
3. Operate wheeled devices on irregular surfaces.
4. Attempt maneuvers beyond skill levels.
B. The city council accordingly encourages all operators to use caution and to operate wheeled devices utilizing proper fitting safety equipment including helmets, protective clothing, wristbands, padded equipment and proper shoes. (Ord. 980 § 1, 2012)
10.20.010 Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall, for the purpose of this chapter, have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this section.
“Business or commercial zones” means the downtown district designated CB central business as defined by Chapter 18.02.
“Roller skates” means a pair of shoes, mounted, permanently or temporarily, upon two sets of wheels or a row of wheels and is most often propelled by the user in an upright, crouched or kneeling position.
“Scooter” means a footboard mounted upon two or more wheels and controlled by an upright steering handle. This device is propelled by the user in an essentially upright position.
“Skateboard” means a footboard mounted upon two or more wheels and is usually propelled by the user who sometimes stands, sits, kneels or lies upon the device while it is in motion.
“To operate in a negligent manner” means the operation of bicycles, roller skates, scooters, or skateboards in such a manner as to endanger or be likely to endanger any person or property. Examples of operating in a negligent manner include, but are not limited to, failure to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and/or vehicular traffic. (Ord. 980 § 1, 2012)
10.20.020 Bicycle regulations.
The provisions of this chapter are supplementary to the provisions of state law and bicycles and their operation shall otherwise be regulated in accordance with the Washington Model Traffic Ordinance. (Ord. 980 § 1, 2012)
10.20.030 Business and commercial zones prohibited.
It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or ride upon any skateboard, roller skates or scooter upon any street, alley, sidewalk or publicly owned park in the business and commercial zone as defined by Chapter 18.02. It shall also be unlawful for any person to operate or ride upon any bicycle upon any sidewalk or publicly owned park in the business and commercial zone/district. Police officers, in the performance of their duties, shall be exempt from the provisions of this section. (Ord. 1011 § 1, 2015; Ord. 980 § 1, 2012)
10.20.040 Safe operation and control.
No skateboard, roller skates or scooter shall be ridden or operated in a negligent manner and shall be operated with reasonable regard for the safety of the operator and others persons and property. Operators of these devices shall obey the instructions of official traffic control signs or other devices applicable to vehicles, unless otherwise directed by a police officer. (Ord. 980 § 1, 2012)
10.20.050 Parent or guardian control.
A parent or guardian shall require that a child under the age of 18 years wears and fastens securely a helmet as defined herein while bicycling, skateboarding, roller skating, riding a scooter or riding as a passenger on a bicycle, skateboard, roller skate, or scooter in any public area in the city of Langley. (Ord. 980 § 1, 2012)
10.20.060 Penalty – Infraction.
Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter shall be deemed to have committed a civil infraction and second or subsequent offenses will be subject to an enhanced penalty. The fact one violation may be committed upon a different device than another violation is no defense to the enhanced penalty. The chief of police is empowered and authorized to administer the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. 980 § 1, 2012)