Except as actually set forth in this chapter, the Town of Riverhead
hereby incorporates by reference the provisions of Article 34, § 1230
et seq., of the Vehicle and Traffic Law of the State of New York as
it now exists and as from time to time may be amended. Should the
requirements of this chapter conflict with or otherwise be inconsistent
with any provision or requirement of the Vehicle and Traffic Law,
the more stringent provisions, or those imposing the higher standards,
shall govern.
Every rider and operator shall comply with the following rules
and regulations:
A. Riding abreast. When two or more persons in a group are operating
bicycles on a roadway, they shall ride single file.
B. Extra passenger. No person operating a bicycle shall carry another
person, except upon a seat specifically provided for such passenger.
C. Emerging from alleys, driveways and garages. The operator of a bicycle
emerging from an alley, driveway, garage or private sidewalk shall
stop the bicycle immediately prior to driving onto or across a public
sidewalk or onto or across a public sidewalk line projected across
an alley and shall exercise extreme care in making such movements.
D. Clinging to vehicles. No person operating a bicycle shall cling or
attach himself or the bicycle to any other moving vehicle.
E. Intoxication. No person shall operate a bicycle while in an intoxicated
condition.
F. Drugs. No person shall operate a bicycle while his ability to operate
such a bicycle is impaired by the use of a drug as defined in the
Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1192, Subdivision 4.
G. Lights. No bicycle shall be operated within the period from sunset
to sunrise without having a properly lighted headlight attached to
the front of the bicycle, visible under normal atmospheric conditions
from the front thereof a distance of not less than 300 feet, nor without
having a red light or a reflector attached to the rear of the bicycle,
which is clearly visible in the headlight beam of a motor vehicle
for a distance of not less than 200 feet to the rear of the bicycle.
H. Mechanical condition. No person shall operate a bicycle which is
not in such mechanical condition so that it can be safely operated.
I. Trick riding. Any person operating a bicycle shall refrain from any
trick riding and shall operate said bicycle with at least one hand
on the handlebars.
J. Compliance with regulations. Every person operating a bicycle shall
obey all stop signs and traffic control signals and comply with all
traffic regulations of the Town.
K. Sidewalks restricted. No person shall operate, park, abandon or keep
motionless a bicycle on any sidewalk within the downtown area as hereinabove
described. However, the walking of bicycles in an orderly manner on
such sidewalks and the parking of bicycles in an upright position
on the sidewalks at curbside parallel to the road shall be permitted.
L. Speed. No person shall operate a bicycle at a speed greater than
is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to
the actual and potential hazards then existing.
M. Traffic regulations. Every person operating a bicycle shall strictly
observe all traffic signs and signals and all other traffic rules
and regulations applicable thereto and shall obey the orders and directions
of every officer of the Town authorized to direct or regulate traffic.
It shall be a violation for any person to possess or any dealer
in bicycles operating in the Town to purchase, receive in trade or
otherwise acquire any bicycle from which the serial number on the
frame has been removed, destroyed, mutilated or altered, without first
reporting the same to the Riverhead Police.
The disposition of unclaimed bicycles shall be governed by Article
7-B of the Personal Property Law.
The Riverhead Police Department shall enforce the provisions
of this chapter by the issuance of a summons returnable in the Riverhead
Justice Court.
The Superintendent of Highways is directed to mark the corner
curb/sidewalk areas in the downtown area, stating "Bicycles Prohibited."
A violation of this chapter shall be punishable by imprisonment
of up to 15 days and/or a fine of up to $250.