Chapter 10.21
HUMAN-POWERED WHEELED DEVICES
Sections:
10.21.010 Human-powered wheeled devices defined.
10.21.020 Traffic rules of operation.
10.21.030 Negligent operation.
10.21.040 Unattended or parked human-powered wheeled devices.
10.21.050 Prohibited areas of operation.
10.21.010 Human-powered wheeled devices defined.
This chapter covers wheeled devices that are designed or used to propel an operator without the assistance of an electric or fuel-powered motor. (Motorized scooters and other motorized wheeled devices are regulated under Chapter 10.23 SMC.)
Human-powered wheeled devices include without limitation skateboards, long-boards, roller skates, inline skates, foot scooters or coasters, bicycles, tricycles, and recumbent bicycles and tricycles.
This chapter does not apply to a person pushing or pulling a wheeled device to transport infants or consumable goods, or wheelchairs and other wheeled devices allowing a disabled or incapacitated person to be ambulatory within the city of Sequim, unless said wheeled device is being operated in a negligent manner (SMC 10.21.030). (Ord. 2022-020 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2005-020; Ord. 2001-011; Ord. 99-025 § 1; Ord. 98-014)
10.21.020 Traffic rules of operation.
Any person operating a human-powered wheeled device must observe all applicable state and local laws and obey official traffic signals, signs, and other controls applicable to motorized vehicles, unless otherwise allowed by law or directed by a police officer. (Ord. 2022-020 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2005-020; Ord. 98-014)
10.21.030 Negligent operation.
A. No human-powered wheeled device can be operated in a negligent manner anywhere within the city limits of Sequim, and must at all times be operated with reasonable regard for the safety of the operator and other persons.
B. Operators of human-powered wheeled devices within the city of Sequim must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians. Failure to do so constitutes negligent operation.
C. Operators of human-powered wheeled devices within the city of Sequim may not attach the device or themselves to any moving vehicle upon any roadway or sidewalk. Doing so constitutes negligent operation.
D. Police officers operating a human-powered wheeled device in the course and scope of their duties are not subject to this section if their operation is in accordance with training and department policy. (Ord. 2022-020 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2005-020; Ord. 98-014)
10.21.040 Unattended or parked human-powered wheeled devices.
A. Human-powered wheeled devices must not be left on any public property in a manner that obstructs the property’s use by the general public. When structures designed to hold a human-powered wheeled device are available, such as a bike rack, they should be used to secure the device.
B. No person is allowed to secure a human-powered wheeled device to a publicly owned object when doing so impedes pedestrian or vehicle traffic or restricts or prevents the use of such object by any individual, or if it is otherwise unlawful to do so.
C. No person is allowed to park a human-powered wheeled device on private property without consent of the owner or person in charge. Consent is implied on private commercial property unless expressly prohibited.
D. No person is allowed to park a human-powered wheeled device in a public bike rack or on other public property for more than 48 hours without obtaining permission from the city.
E. No person is allowed to leave or park a human-powered wheeled device on any public area when doing so constitutes a hazard. (Ord. 2022-020 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2005-020; Ord. 98-014)
10.21.050 Prohibited areas of operation.
It is unlawful for any person to operate a human-powered wheeled device in any area where signs prohibiting said activity are posted, or where such operation is otherwise prohibited by law.
In areas designed for a specific type of human-powered wheeled device, such as a skateboard park, there can be no presumption that the use of other human-powered wheeled devices is allowed. Operators must obey posted signs. (Ord. 2022-020 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2005-020; Ord. 2001-011; Ord. 99-025 § 2; Ord. 98-014)
10.21.060 Penalties.
A violation of any of the sections in this chapter is a civil infraction subject to the penalties set forth in Chapter 1.13 SMC, Code Enforcement, and the fines set forth in Chapter 3.68 SMC, Rates and Fees. (Ord. 2022-020 § 1 (Exh. A); Ord. 2005-020; Ord. 98-014)