La Verne Municipal Code Ch. 10.56 Bicycles

"Bicycle"

for the purpose of this chapter, 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 wheels at least twenty inches (50.8 centimeters) in diameter and a frame size of at least fourteen inches (35.56 centimeters).

(Prior code § 4801)

It shall be unlawful for any person to operate or use a bicycle upon any street, alley or public highway within the city without first obtaining a bicycle license therefor. This section shall not apply to a nonresident bicyclist who is passing through the city.

(Prior code § 4800)

The city may issue bicycle licenses, upon application, which shall be valid for three calendar years commencing January 1, 1975. The license when issued shall authorize the operation of the bicycle upon all streets, alleys and public highways, including sidewalks but exclusive of freeways, within the city limits.

(Prior code § 4804)

Bicycle license fees shall be established from time to time by a resolution of the city council.

(Prior code § 4812)

Adhesive indicia, as provided by the state, shall be attached to each licensed bicycle. Such indicia shall be placed on the upper part of the bicycle frame which supports the seat. In addition to the indicia, a registration card will be provided to the bicycle owner with copies of such registration card to any other appropriate city department. Such registration card shall include, but not be limited to, the license number issued to the bicycle, the serial number of the bicycle, and the name and address of the bicycle owner.

(Prior code § 4806)

In no case will a bicycle be licensed if not equipped as follows:

A. Brakes. A bicycle shall be equipped with brakes which will enable the operator to make one braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement.

B. Handlebars. No bicycle shall have the handlebars so raised that the operator must elevate his or her hand above the level of his or her shoulders in order to grasp the normal steering grip area while sitting on the seat.

C. Handlebar Grips. The open end of the handlebar shall be covered with a handlebar grip or similar device.

D. Modifications. No bicycle shall be modified or altered in such a way as to cause the pedal in its lowermost position to be more than twelve inches (30.48 centimeters) above the pavement.

E. Seat. A bicycle shall be equipped with a seat capable of supporting the intended operator of the bicycle. Such seat shall be adjusted so as to allow the operator to touch one foot on the pavement while sitting on the seat.

(Prior code § 4808)

Any person who purchases or otherwise acquires possession of a bicycle which is licensed pursuant to this chapter. or any other municipal or county ordinance or resolution, shall within ten days of taking possession apply for the transfer of license to his or her name.

(Prior code § 4810)

The fee for transferring a bicycle license to a new owner shall be one-half the normal fee for the remaining licensing period.

(Prior code § 4810.01)

Whenever the owner of a bicycle licensed pursuant to this chapter sells or otherwise disposes of a bicycle, he shall within ten days notify the city of such disposition.

(Prior code § 4810.03)

Whenever the owner of a bicycle licensed pursuant to this chapter, or any other municipal or county ordinance or resolution, changes his or her home address or establishes a La Verne address, he shall within ten days of such change notify the city.

(Prior code § 4810.05)

Effective January 1, 1976, a penalty, the amount of which shall be established from time to time by a resolution of the city council, will be charged to the owner of any bicycle who fails to license such bicycle as required by this chapter.

(Prior code § 4812.01)

All revenues from bicycle license fees and penalties shall be deposited in a bicycle safety fund or account and shall be used only for the promotion of bicycle safety and the development and maintenance of bicycle lanes and paths within the city.

(Prior code § 4814)

No person shall ride a bicycle in a roadway upon which a bicycle lane is designated except within such bicycle lane.

(Prior code § 4815)

No person shall ride a bicycle out of a bicycle lane except at an intersection or to turn into a driveway opening into the land. Upon leaving a bicycle lane, the cyclist shall yield the right-of-way to motor vehicles and pedestrians. A cyclist may also leave a bicycle lane by dismounting and walking the bicycle, in which case he is subject to the rules governing pedestrians.

(Prior code § 4815.01)

Bicycles shall have the right-of-way in bicycle lanes with respect to motor vehicles. No person shall drive a motor vehicle in or across a bicycle lane except:

A. To enter or leave a driveway opening into the bicycle lane;

B. To enter or leave a parking space adjacent to the bicycle lane.

(Prior code § 4815.03)

Bicyclists may ride abreast of each other in a bicycle lane when it is safe to do so.

(Prior code § 4815.03)