Over the past several months, residents have voiced concerns about the increase in e-bikes, bikes, scooters (motorized and otherwise), roller skates, skateboards, and toy vehicles being operated by children within city limits. After consideration, the City Council came up with the following ordinance language that fills in the gaps in state law regarding this issue. Namely, all minors operating any bicycle, e-bike, or e-scooter will be required to wear a helmet. Some other highlights include:
Adds definitions for bicycles, electric bicycles, electric scooters, roller skates, scooters and skateboards;
Establishes a speed limit of 15 miles per hour for all devices operating on the sidewalk or multi-use path (with the exception of the River Mountains Loop Trail);
Prohibits all motorized forms of transportation, including electric bicycles and scooters from being ridden upon recreational facilities in City parks such as grass, fields, playgrounds, or courts;
Adds non-motorized scooters to our code, and prohibits their use on roadways, instead requiring their operation to occur on sidewalks or similar paths, and giving them the status of pedestrians while in crossing areas similar to individuals on roller skates or skateboards under our current code;
Prohibits the use of bicycles, electric bicycles, electric scooters, skates, toy vehicles, scooters and skateboards on sidewalks or other paths contiguous and adjacent to the public access of buildings in use for commercial purposes.
Violations of this ordinance come with substantial penalties. Fines for violations are civil traffic infractions and are proposed at $150.00 for the first violation, $250.00 for the second, and $600.00 for the third and subsequent. The ordinance also clarifies that parents are financially responsible for tickets given to minors. More about the ordinance is available by clicking HERE.
“The new requirements are intended to help parents keep their children safe,” said City Manager Ned Thomas. “We are grateful for grants that have made it possible for Boulder City Fire Department to provide free helmets to 150 kids so far this year.”
Head over to National Night Out on October 7 at Veterans Memorial Park. The Boulder City Fire Department will be distributing new helmets to Boulder City kids at the event.
