Township of Stowe, PA Chapter 212 Bicycles

[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Commissioners of the Township of Stowe 6-14-1994 by Ord. No. 765 (Ch. 3, Part 1, of the 1993 Code of Ordinances). Amendments noted where applicable.]

§ 212-1 Bicycle helmets.

[Amended 12-18-2002 by Ord. No. 853]

It shall be a violation of this chapter for any person under the age of 16 years to ride a bicycle, scooter, skateboard, and/or rollerblades on any public street and/or sidewalk within the Township boundaries without an approved protective helmet securely fastened to the head of the rider.

§ 212-2 Traffic regulations.

A. Bicyclists riding on the streets shall observe all traffic rules and regulations that apply to automobiles, except when the observation thereof would place the bicyclist in danger. Bicyclists on streets or roads shall ride within two feet (0.6 meters) of the side of the road or curb except when it is necessary to avoid rough pavement, sharp objects, loose gravel or other hazards. Bicyclists on streets or roads shall travel in single file without obstructing automobile traffic.

B. Motorists passing a bicyclist(s) riding in the same direction must keep their vehicles at least four feet (1.2 meters) away from the side of the road or curb and at least 18 inches (0.45 meters) from any part of the bicycle and its rider.

C. Bicyclists riding on the sidewalk or on footpaths must slow down and yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.

§ 212-3 Enforcement and administration.

The regulations of this chapter shall be enforced and administered by the Township Police Department and the Township Ordinance Officer.

§ 212-4 Violations and penalties.

A. Any person who shall violate the provisions of this chapter shall receive an official written warning of noncompliance for the first offense. Thereafter, all such violations shall be subject to the penalties hereinafter provided. The parent or guardian of any violator under 18 years of age shall be responsible for imposed penalties.

B. Except as hereinafter provided, any person who shall violate any of the provisions of this chapter shall, upon conviction thereof, be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than $25 and not more than $100, plus costs of prosecution. At the discretion of the Magisterial District Judge, any fine imposed hereunder may be applied to the purchase of an approved bicycle helmet in lieu of payment of the penalty to the Township, with proof of purchase of said helmet being required.

C. Each and every violation of any provision of this chapter shall constitute a separate offense.