Chapter 12.56
BICYCLES—REGISTRATION AND REGULATIONS
Sections:
12.56.025 Voluntary Licensing.
12.56.030 Operating Bicycle on Sidewalk.
12.56.040 Operating a Surrey Cycle or Pedicab.
12.56.050 Designation of Bicycle Lanes.
12.56.070 Placement of Appropriate Signs.
12.56.010 Definitions.
As used in this chapter, the following terms and words shall have the following meanings:
“Bicycle” means any device upon which a person may ride, which is propelled by human power through a system of belts, chains or gears, and which has two wheels at least twenty (20) inches in diameter and a frame size of at least fourteen (14) inches.
“Pedicab” means any device with seating for one or more persons which is propelled by human power through a system of peddles, belts, chains or gears, and which has three wheels.
“Surrey cycle” means any device with seating for one or more persons which is propelled by human power through a system of peddles, belts, chains or gears, and which has four wheels. (Ord. 97-41 § 1, 1997: Ord. 95-40 § 1, 1995: Ord. 85-18 § 1, 1985; Ord. 1600 § 2, 1975)
12.56.025 Voluntary Licensing.
A. Any person who is a resident of the City may apply to the Police Department for a bicycle license.
B. Fees for bicycle license issuance or renewal, shall be established by resolution of the City Council. Fees shall be waived for all individuals who obtain a bicycle license or renewal at a City sponsored bicycle safety program. (Ord. 97-41 § 3, 1997)
12.56.030 Operating Bicycle on Sidewalk.
A. Prohibition. No person shall operate or ride a bicycle upon any sidewalk in the City.
B. Exceptions. The provisions of this section shall not apply to:
1. Sidewalks on which bicycles are permitted pursuant to a resolution adopted by the City Council;
2. Tricycles, wheelchairs, or wheeled devices operated by the disabled or the elderly;
3. Rollerskates, rollerblades or skateboards or similar devices, except when operation is prohibited by the provisions of Chapter 12.57 of this Code;
4. Tricycles which measure less than one of the following:
a. Eighteen (18) inches from ground level to the neck joint,
b. Twenty-four (24) inches in width measured from the outer rear wheels,
c. Eighteen (18) inches in front tire diameter, or
d. Twelve (12) inches in rear tire diameter.
5. To a bicycle operated by any peace officer employed by the City of Newport Beach and acting within the course and scope of his or her employment. (Ord. 97-41 § 5 (part), 1997: Ord. 95-40 § 2, 1995; Ord. 91-12 § 1, 1991: Ord. 86-3 § 1, 1986: Ord. 85-18 § 2, 1985; Ord. 1806 § 1, 1979: Ord. 1608 § 1, 1975: Ord. 1452 § 1, 1972: Ord. 1435 § 1, 1972: Ord. 1256 § 1, 1968: Ord. 1224 § 1, 1967: Ord. 898, 1959: 1949 Code § 3295.1)
12.56.040 Operating a Surrey Cycle or Pedicab.
A. No person shall operate or ride a surrey cycle or pedicab upon any sidewalk, boardwalk or any public pier in the City.
B. Any person who operates a surrey cycle or pedicab rental service, shop or facility must inform each person who rents a surrey cycle or pedicab at the time of the rental, in writing, of the restrictions contained in this section. Each rental surrey cycle or pedicab shall be posted to clearly inform each rider of the particular areas in the City where surrey cycles and pedicabs are prohibited.
C. Any person who operates a surrey cycle or pedicab rental service, shop or facility, shall affix to each rented surrey cycle or pedicab, a flag of sufficient size and color to increase visibility of the surrey cycle or pedicab. The flag, which shall be of international orange or similar color, and of sufficient size to enhance the visibility of the surrey cycle or pedicab, shall be affixed so that it reaches three feet above the highest portion of the surrey cycle or pedicab. (Ord. 97-41 § 5 (part), 1997: Ord. 95-40 § 3, 1995)
12.56.050 Designation of Bicycle Lanes.
The City Traffic Engineer is authorized to designate bicycle lanes on streets and shall mark and sign them in conformance with California Vehicle Code Section 21400. (Ord. 2023-22 § 564, 2023; Ord. 97-41 § 5 (part), 1997: Ord. 1435 § 3, 1972)
12.56.060 Obedience to Signs.
When signs are erected on any street or sidewalk giving notice that a portion of that street or sidewalk has been designated as a bicycle lane, no person shall drive, park, or operate any vehicle or any bicycle or other wheeled device or conveyance in any manner contrary to the directions posted on such signs. (Ord. 97-41 § 5 (part), 1997: Ord. 1435 § 4, 1972)
12.56.070 Placement of Appropriate Signs.
Whenever this Code or any ordinance or resolution of the City designates any portion of a street or sidewalk as a bicycle lane, the City Traffic Engineer shall place and maintain signs giving notice thereof, and no such regulation shall be effective unless such signs are in place. (Ord. 97-41 § 5 (part), 1997: Ord. 1435 § 5, 1972)
12.56.080 Motorized Bicycles.
The licensing requirements of this chapter are applicable to motorized bicycles as that term is defined by California Vehicle Code Section 406. (Ord. 2023-22 § 565, 2023; Ord. 97-41 § 5 (part), 1997: Ord. 1699 § 1, 1976)