[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Commissioners of the Township of Haverford 5-11-1959 by Ord. No. 1091. Amendments noted where applicable.]
GENERAL REFERENCES
Parks, playgrounds and Township property — See Ch. 126.
Vehicles and traffic — See Ch. 175.
[Amended 2-12-1996 by Ord. No. 2238; 9-8-2025 by Ord. No. 3020-2025]
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
BICYCLE
Every device propelled by human power upon which any person may ride, having two tandem wheels, either of which is more than 16 inches in diameter.
E-BICYCLE
A bicycle with an integrated electric motor that assists the rider's pedaling.
E-SCOOTER
A device with two wheels, handlebars, and a standing platform that is powered by an electric motor, designed to transport one person standing. This definition excludes mobility scooters and seated scooters.
ROLLER SKATE
A shoe with a set of wheels attached, used for skating over a flat surface. "Roller skates" shall include roller blades.
SKATEBOARD
A narrow board mounted on roller-skate wheels upon which a person may ride or propel himself.
[1]
Editor’s Note: The following former sections were repealed 6-12-2017 by Ord. No. 2812: §§ 55-2, Operator’s license required; registration and licensing of bicycle required; 55-3, Registration of bicycle and attachment of license plate required for use by nonresident; 55-4, Time limit for application for license, registration card and license plate; duration of same, as amended; 55-5, Attachment of license plates to bicycles; records; issuance and display of registration card, as amended; 55-6, Registration cards and license plates considered permanent unless ownership changes; reissuance of operator's license, as amended; 55-7, Inspection required prior to issuance of registration, refusal of registration, as amended; 55-8, Renewal of license and registration, as amended; 55-9, Reporting of sale or transfer of ownership required; time limit for return of registration card and license plate, as amended; 55-10, Reporting of dismantled and/or junked bicycles required; return of registration card and license plate if registered, as amended; 55-11, Removal and/or destruction of identification number, registration card and/or license plate, as amended; 55-12, Loss or destruction of license plate, registration card and/or operator's license, as amended; and 55-13, Prima facie evidence of bicycles without proper registration.
[Added 9-8-2025 by Ord. No. 3020-2025]
A. 
Anyone under the age of 16 must wear a helmet when riding an e-bicycle or e-scooter. This applies to anyone operating the e-bicycle, riding as a passenger, or riding in an attached restraining seat or trailer.
B. 
There shall be an initial introductory period commencing upon the effective date of this section through December 31, 2025, during which written notices shall be issued for violations of this section.
C. 
Beginning January 1, 2026, a $25 fine will be imposed for violations.
[1]
Editor's Note: Former § 55-13, Prima facie evidence of bicycles without proper registration, as amended, was repealed 6-12-2017 by Ord. No. 2812.
It shall be unlawful for the operator of any bicycle, when upon any street, road or highway, to ride with both hands off the handlebars or to ride other than upon or astride the permanent and regular seat attached thereto or to carry any other person upon such bicycle other than upon a firmly attached and regular seat thereon, nor shall any person ride upon a bicycle other than as above provided.
Every bicycle operated upon a street, road or highway or public place at any time during the period of one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise and at any other time when there is not sufficient light under normal atmospheric conditions to render clearly discernible persons and vehicles on the street or public place at a distance of 500 feet ahead shall be equipped with a lighted lamp on the front thereof and shall also be equipped with a red reflector or lamp on the rear exhibiting or reflecting a red light visible under like conditions from a distance of at least 500 feet to the rear of such bicycle. Said reflector or lamp on the rear shall be of a diameter of at least 1 1/2 inches. Every bicycle shall also be equipped with brakes, in good condition, and with a bell, horn or other warning device. All mechanical parts of the bicycle shall be in good working condition.
It shall be unlawful for any person operating a bicycle upon any street in the Township of Haverford to propel such bicycle abreast of any other person so propelling a bicycle, except in passing such bicycle.
[Amended 2-12-1996 by Ord. No. 2238]
The operator of a bicycle, skateboard or roller skates emerging from an alley, driveway or building shall, upon approaching the sidewalk or sidewalk area extending across any alleyway, yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians approaching on said sidewalk or sidewalk area and, upon entering the roadway, shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching on said roadway.
[1]
Editor’s Note: Former § 55-23, Examination and demonstration of capability of riding bicycle required prior to issuance of license, as amended, was repealed 6-12-2017 by Ord. No. 2812.
[Amended 6-30-1986 by Ord. No. 1960; 6-12-2017 by Ord. No. 2812; 9-8-2025 by Ord. No. 3020-2025]
Other than as set forth in § 55-12, any person, firm or corporation violating this chapter shall, upon summary conviction before any District Justice, pay a fine not exceeding $1,000 and costs of prosecution; and in default of one payment of the fine and costs, the violator may be sentenced to the county jail for a term of not more than 90 days. Each and every day in which any person, firm or corporation shall be found to be in violation of this chapter shall constitute a separate offense.[1]
[1]
Editor’s Note: Former § 55-25, Applicability of provisions to nonresidents’ bicycles, which immediately followed this section, was repealed 6-12-2017 by Ord. No. 2812