[Added 2-26-2002 by Ord.
No. 02-5]
This article is enacted to establish rules and regulations for
the use of bicycles in the public roadways and public places.
The following rules and regulations shall apply to all bicycles
operated within the boundaries of the Borough of Paramus:
A.
Every bicycle when in use at nighttime shall be equipped with a lamp
on the front which shall emit a white light visible from a distance
of at least 500 feet to the front and with a lamp on the rear which
shall emit a red light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet
to the rear.
B.
No person shall operate a bicycle unless it is equipped with a bell
or other device capable of giving a signal audible for a distance
of at least 100 feet, except that a bicycle shall not be equipped
with nor shall any person use upon a bicycle any siren or whistle.
C.
A person propelling or riding on a bicycle shall not ride other than
upon or astride a permanent and regular seat attached thereto nor
shall such person ride with feet removed from the pedals nor with
both hands removed from the handlebars, nor shall such person practice
any trick or fancy riding in any street. No bicycle shall be used
to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is
designed.
D.
No person riding upon any bicycle shall attach the same or himself
to any vehicle upon a roadway, and no operator of any vehicle shall
knowingly allow any person riding upon any bicycle to attach the same
or himself to the vehicle.
E.
Every bicycle shall be equipped with a brake which will enable the
operator to make the braked wheels skid on dry, level, clean pavement.
F.
Every person riding or operating a bicycle shall obey all traffic
signals, signs and devices in the same manner and to the same extent
as would be required if said person was operating a motor vehicle.
G.
Every person riding or operating a bicycle shall be required to dismount
or walk his or her bicycle across heavily traveled streets.
H.
Every person riding or operating a bicycle shall be required immediately
before entering a street or sidewalk from any alley or driveway to
come to a complete stop for the purpose of making an observation in
order to ensure that said street or sidewalk is clear of pedestrians
or vehicles.
I.
Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall ride as near
to the right side of the roadway as practicable, exercising due care
when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction.
J.
Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall ride in single file,
except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use
of bicycles.
K.
Regulations applicable to bicycles shall apply whenever a bicycle
is operated upon any highway, street or any path set aside for the
exclusive use of bicycles subject to those exceptions stated herein.
L.
No person shall ride a bicycle upon a sidewalk in a business district
between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. within the Borough of
Paramus or where signs prohibit the same. The Police Department is
hereby authorized to erect signs on any roadway or sidewalk within
the Borough where it is deemed necessary to prohibit the riding of
bicycles thereon by any person; and, when such signs are in place,
no person shall disobey the same. Whenever any person is riding a
bicycle upon a sidewalk or pedestrian right-of-way, such person shall
ride in single file only, yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian
and give an audible signal before overtaking and passing any pedestrian.
M.
Carrying articles. No person operating a bicycle shall carry any
package, bundle or article which prevents the operator from keeping
both hands on the handlebars.
N.
Parking. No person shall park a bicycle upon a street except where
a bicycle rack is so provided. All bicycles, when parked on sidewalks,
shall be parked only in such manner as not to obstruct pedestrian
traffic or access to adjacent buildings.
O.
Speed. No person shall operate a bicycle at speeds faster than are
reasonable or proper, which in no case shall be in excess of legal
speed limits, unless participating in an officially sponsored or sanctioned
rally or road race.
P.
Reckless or careless riding. No person shall ride a bicycle in a
reckless or careless manner which endangers or is likely to endanger
the safety or welfare of other persons or property.
Q.
The requirements of N.J.S.A. 39:4-10.1, which require a person under
14 years of age who rides a bicycle to wear an appropriate helmet
which meets the standards of the American International Standards
Institute (ANSI Z90.4, Bicycle Helmet Standards) or the Snell Memorial
Foundation's 1984 Standard for Protective Head Gear for Use in Bicycling,
is incorporated by reference.
R.
The Chief of Police is herewith authorized to issue additional rules
and regulations to further the public purpose of this chapter.
