Chapter 10.04
BICYCLES, SKATEBOARDS, SKATES, COASTERS AND SIMILAR DEVICES
Sections:
10.04.020 Nonapplicability to certain devices.
10.04.030 Traffic control devices.
10.04.060 Operation of skateboards, skates, coasters, and similar devices after dark.
10.04.070 Clinging to motor vehicle.
10.04.080 Confiscation of property.
10.04.090 Violation – Penalty.
10.04.100 No public duty created.
10.04.010 Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall, for the purpose of this chapter, have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this section:
“Bicycle” shall have its normal and accepted meaning and the term “bicycle” shall be deemed to include the terms “unicycle” and “adult-size three-wheeled cycle.”
“Central business district,” as defined in this chapter, means the following area:
1. Market Street and/or Market Boulevard (including Market Street and/or Market Boulevard), from its intersection with Park Street on the south to its intersection with N.W. National Avenue and/or Front Way on the north; and
2. Boistfort Street (including Boistfort Street), from its intersection with Washington Avenue on the east to its intersection with Pacific Avenue on the west.
“Coaster,” also known as “scooter,” means a footboard mounted upon two or more wheels and controlled by an upright steering handle. This device may be propelled by the user, or by a gas or electric motor, in usually an upright position. For purposes of this chapter, a “scooter” is a “coaster” if it otherwise meets the definition in this section.
“Skateboard” means a footboard mounted upon four or more wheels and is usually propelled by the user who sometimes stands, sits, kneels, or lies upon the device while it is in motion.
“Skates” means a pair of shoes mounted upon two sets of wheels and is most often propelled by the user in an upright standing position or kneeling, including roller and in-line skates.
“To operate in a negligent manner” means the operation of one or more of the above-described devices in such a manner as to endanger or be likely to endanger any person or property. Examples of operating in a negligent manner include, but are not limited to, failure to obey all traffic control devices, or failure to yield right-of-way to pedestrians and/or vehicular traffic. [Ord. 756B, 2003.]
10.04.020 Nonapplicability to certain devices.
The regulations of this chapter shall not apply to wheelchairs and other human-powered devices necessary for a person with disabilities, as defined in 42 USC Section 12101 et seq., to be ambulatory. [Ord. 756B, 2003.]
10.04.030 Traffic control devices.
Any person operating a bicycle, skateboard, skates, coaster, or any similarly situated device shall obey the instructions of official traffic control signals, signs, and other control devices applicable to vehicles, unless otherwise directed by a police officer. [Ord. 756B, 2003.]
10.04.040 Safe operation.
Every person using a bicycle, skateboard, skates, coaster, or any device similar to the foregoing upon any sidewalk or public path shall use the same in a careful and prudent manner and at a rate of speed no greater than is reasonable and proper under the conditions existing at the point of operation, taking into account the amount and character of pedestrian traffic, grade and width of sidewalk or public path, and condition of surface, and shall obey all traffic control devices. Every person using a bicycle, skateboard, skates, coaster, or any similar device upon a sidewalk or public path shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian thereon. No person upon a bicycle, skateboard, skates, coaster, or any device similar to the foregoing shall interfere with or restrict the flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic in any manner whatsoever. [Ord. 756B, 2003.]
10.04.050 Prohibited areas.
It shall be unlawful for anyone to use a bicycle, skates, coaster, or any similarly situated device, or to ride a skateboard, in any public plaza, building, or parking lot owned, leased, or operated by the city, or in the downtown central business district, as defined in this chapter. [Ord. 756B, 2003.]
10.04.060 Operation of skateboards, skates, coasters, and similar devices after dark.
No person upon a skateboard, skates, coaster, or any device similar to the foregoing shall ride upon a public highway or public sidewalk during the hours between one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise without wearing a reflective device on his/her front and back. [Ord. 756B, 2003.]
10.04.070 Clinging to motor vehicle.
No person upon a bicycle, skateboard, skates, coaster, or any device similar to the foregoing shall attach the same or himself or herself to any moving vehicle upon any public highway. [Ord. 756B, 2003.]
10.04.080 Confiscation of property.
A law enforcement officer having probable cause to believe a violation of this chapter has been committed shall have the authority to confiscate the bicycle, skateboard, skates, coaster, or similar device used in violation of this chapter, and hold the same as evidence pending adjudication of the infraction. [Ord. 756B, 2003.]
10.04.090 Violation – Penalty.
Any person, 16 years of age or older, violating any provision of this chapter shall be guilty of an infraction and shall be punished by the imposition of a monetary penalty as set forth in the Chehalis fee schedule and Chehalis municipal court bail schedule. Should a violator be under the age of 16 years, the property seized shall be returned to the subject upon application for return by the subject with the chief of police, which application must be made and received by the city within 60 days of the confiscation. [Ord. 1029B § 4, 2022; Ord. 766B, 2004; Ord. 756B, 2003.]
10.04.100 No public duty created.
A. It is expressly the purpose of this chapter to provide for and promote the health, safety, and welfare of the general public and not to create or otherwise establish or designate any particular class or group of persons or individual who will or should be especially protected or benefited by the terms of this chapter.
B. Nothing contained in this chapter is intended nor shall be construed to create or form the basis of any liability on the part of the city or its officers, employees, or agents for any injury or damage resulting from any action or inaction on the part of the city related in any manner to the enforcement of this chapter by its officers, employees, or agents. [Ord. 756B, 2003.]