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(a) For purposes of this section only, the following definitions apply:
"Communication device" means a device, including but not limited to a wireless telephone, personal digital assistant, or a portable or mobile computer, which is designed to transmit and receive electronic messages.
"Electronic message" means a self-contained piece of digital communication that is designed or intended to be transmitted between communication devices. An "electronic message" includes, but is not limited to electronic mail, a text message, an instant message, a command or request to access an internet site, or talking or listening to another person on the telephone or other communication device.
"Using" means composing, reading, sending or listening to an electronic message.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in subsection (c) of this section, no person shall operate a bicycle while using a communication device.
(c) The provisions of this section shall not apply to a:
(1) law enforcement officer or other emergency responder, when on duty and acting in his official capacity;
(2) person using a communication device with a "hands free" device or in a voice-activated mode, which allows the person to talk into and listen to the other party without the use of hands;
(3) person using a communication device for the sole purpose of reporting an emergency situation and continued communication with emergency personnel during the emergency situation; or
(4) person using a communication device while maintaining a bicycle in a stationary position.
(d) Any person who violates any provision of this section shall be fined not less than $20.00 nor more than $50.00 for the first offense, not less than $50.00 nor more than $75.00 for the second offense, and not less than $75.00 nor more than $100.00 for a third or any subsequent offense.
(e) In addition to any fine provided for in this section, if a violation of subsection (b) of this section occurs at the time of a traffic crash, the person operating the bicycle may be fined in an amount not to exceed $500.00.
(Added Coun. J. 10-5-11, p. 8815, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 6-5-13, p. 54983, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 11-17-21, p. 41319, Art. V, § 3)
(b) Low-speed electric bicycles operated in the City shall comply with equipment and manufacturing requirements adopted by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission under 16 C.F.R. 1512 and 625 ILCS 5/11-1517(b) and (c). No person shall knowingly tamper with or modify the speed capability or engagement threshold of a low-speed electric bicycle without replacing the label required under 625 ILCS 5/11-1517(c).
(c) A Class 2 low-speed electric bicycle shall operate so that the electric motor is disengaged or ceases to function when the brakes are applied. A Class 1 low-speed electric bicycle and a Class 3 low-speed electric bicycle shall operate so that the electric motor is disengaged when the rider stops pedaling.
(d) Only a person 16 years of age or older may operate a Class 3 low-speed electric bicycle.
(Added Coun. J. 4-10-19, p. 99061, § 1)
(b) The Commissioner is authorized to adopt rules that provide equipment requirements, and design, dimension, motor size and weight (with load and without load) specifications for low-speed electric delivery bicycles. Such requirements and specifications must be: (i) consistent with applicable national standards; and (ii) reasonably necessary to protect the health, safety and welfare of all public way users, including operators of such bicycles.
(c) No low-speed electric delivery bicycle shall be operated in the City without approval by the Commissioner that a prototype of such bicycle meets the requirements applicable to such bicycle in this Code and rules promulgated by the Commissioner.
(d) No person shall knowingly tamper with or modify the speed capability or engagement threshold of a low-speed electric delivery bicycle.
(e) No person shall operate or park a low-speed electric delivery bicycle upon any sidewalk.
(f) A low-speed electric delivery bicycle may only be used for bicycle messenger services and may only be operated by a bicycle operator, as these terms are defined in Section 4-168-010.
(g) In addition to other applicable laws, a low-speed electric delivery bicycle shall be operated in compliance with Chapter 4-168.
(Added Coun. J. 10-7-20, p. 21525, § 2)
(a) The Commissioner of Transportation is authorized to designate a low-speed electric mobility device parking space or rack on the public way, if the Commissioner determines that establishing such parking space or rack: (i) will not create hazards in the use of the public way by vehicular or pedestrian traffic; (ii) will not impede the safe and efficient flow of traffic upon the public way on which the parking space or rack is proposed; and (iii) will benefit and convenience the public. The Commissioner of Transportation shall designate low-speed electric mobility device parking spaces or racks by appropriate signs or roadway markings or both, as applicable. It shall be unlawful to park a vehicle other than a low-speed electric mobility device, or bicycle as provided in Section 9-52-070(b), in any low-speed electric mobility device parking space that the Commissioner has designated by appropriate signs or markings.
(b) No person shall park a low-speed electric mobility device on the public way except:
(1) in any parking space or against any rack designated for such purpose by the Commissioner of Transportation; or
(2) against a rack, parking meter or sign pole to support the low-speed electric mobility device.
(c) Except as otherwise provided in this section, the provisions of Title 9 of this Code that apply to the operation and parking of bicycles shall also apply to the operation and parking of low-speed electric mobility devices.
(Added Coun. J. 4-10-19, p. 99061, § 1; Amend Coun. J. 10-14-21, p. 37486, § 2)