CHAPTER 8
BICYCLES AND SKATES

SECTION:

7-8-1: Definitions

7-8-2: Registration Authorized

7-8-3: Operation Of Bicycles

7-8-4: Bicycle Equipment

7-8-5: Skates And Skateboards On Roadways Restricted

7-8-1: DEFINITIONS:

When used in this chapter, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section:

BICYCLE: Every vehicle propelled solely by human power upon which any person may ride, having two (2) tandem wheels, except scooters and similar devices. The term bicycle includes an electric bicycle.

DRIVER: Every person who drives or is in actual physical control of a vehicle.

ELECTRIC BICYCLE: A bicycle or tricycle that is:

   A.   Equipped with a seat or saddle for the cyclist;

   B.   Equipped with operable pedals for propulsion by the cyclist;

   C.   Equipped with an electric motor of seven hundred fifty watts (750 W) or less; and

   D.   Is designated as a Class I, II, or III electric bicycle by State law.

VEHICLE: Every device in, upon or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, excepting devices used exclusively upon stationary rail or tracks. A bicycle is a vehicle. (1984 Code § 23-98; amd. Ord. O2019-03, 4-15-2019, eff. 7-1-2019)

7-8-2: REGISTRATION AUTHORIZED:

Every owner of a bicycle may list and register with the Chief of Police or designated representative his name and address, the name of the manufacturer of his bicycle, its number, style and general description. (Ord. O2019-03, 4-15-2019, eff. 7-1-2019)

7-8-3: OPERATION OF BICYCLES 1 :

   A.   Application Of Traffic Laws: Every person propelling a vehicle by human power or riding a bicycle shall have all of the rights and all of the duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle under this Code, except as to special regulations in this chapter and except as to those provisions which by their nature can have no application. (1984 Code § 23-102)

   B.   Riding On Roadways, Sidewalks, Trails, And Paths:

      1.   No person may ride or propel any bicycle upon any public street, highway, sidewalk, trail or path in such a manner as to interfere with any pedestrian thereon.

      2.   No person may ride or propel a bicycle upon any public street, highway, sidewalk, trail or path except in a careful and prudent manner and unless such person is capable of efficient control and operation of such bicycle.

      3.   No person may operate a bicycle upon the streets, highways, sidewalks, trails and paths of the City carelessly, without due caution, or at a speed or in a manner so as to endanger any person or property.

      4.   Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway must ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, exercising due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction.

      5.   Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway may not ride more than two (2) abreast, except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. Persons riding two (2) abreast must not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic and, on a laned roadway, must ride within a single lane. (Ord. O2019-03, 4-15-2019, eff. 7-1-2019)

   C.   Riding Of Bicycles, Skateboards Or Inline Skates On Sidewalks: No person shall ride or propel any bicycle, skateboard or inline skates (rollerblades) upon the sidewalks of Main Street in the City between the area of Seventh Street and First Street. Such area shall include the entire premises of the Veterans Park located at the intersection of First Street and Main Street. Crossing Main Street upon the sidewalks at any intersection of Main Street shall not be a violation of this subsection. (Ord. O2018-02, 2-20-2018)

   D.   Interfering With Pedestrians: No person shall ride or propel any bicycle, skateboard or inline skates (rollerblades) upon any street or sidewalk in the City in such a manner as to interfere with any pedestrian thereon. (Ord. 1883, 7-21-1997)

   E.   Carrying Passengers On Bicycles: No bicycle shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed or equipped, except that an adult rider may carry a child securely attached to his person in a backpack or sling. (1984 Code § 23-103)

   F.   Clinging To Vehicles: No person riding upon any bicycle, coaster, roller skates, sled or toy vehicle shall attach the same or himself to any vehicle upon a roadway. This subsection shall not prohibit attaching a bicycle trailer or bicycle semitrailer to a bicycle if that trailer or semitrailer has been designed for such attachment. (1984 Code § 23-104)

   G.   Carrying Articles On Bicycle: No person operating a bicycle shall carry any package, bundle or article which prevents the use of both hands in the control and operation of the bicycle. A person operating a bicycle shall keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times. (1984 Code § 23-106)

 

Notes

1	1. SDCL § 32-20B-5 et seq.

7-8-4: BICYCLE EQUIPMENT 1 :

   A.   Brakes: Every bicycle operated in the streets of the City shall be equipped with a brake adequate to control the movement and to stop such bicycle within twenty five feet (25') from a speed of ten (10) miles per hour on dry, level, clean pavement.

   B.   Lights And Reflectors: No bicycle shall be permitted on any street, highway or boulevard of the City between thirty (30) minutes after sunset and thirty (30) minutes before sunrise without a headlight visible from the front thereof for not less than two hundred feet (200') indicating the approach or presence of the bicycle, which light shall be firmly attached to the bicycle and properly lighted nor without a red taillight or, in lieu thereof, a reflector attached to and visible from the rear of such bicycle, visible for a distance of not less than two hundred feet (200'). (1984 Code § 23-101)

 

Notes

1	1. SDCL § 32-17-25.