(A) Requirement. No person shall operate or use a bicycle on any street of the municipality without first obtaining a license from the Police Department, as provided in this section.
(B) Bicycle inspection; certification.
(1) Before the Police Department issues any bicycle license, each applicant shall first have his or her bicycle inspected by the Police Department to determine that the bicycle is in good working order and that the required equipment is properly installed.
(2) Such safety inspection shall include, but is not limited to, an inspection of lights, reflectors, brakes, wheel alignment, fork alignment, chain and chain guards, tires, fenders, handlebars, handlebar grips and warning device.
(3) If the bicycle is found to be in good working order and if the required equipment has been properly installed, the Police Chief or his duly authorized representative shall so certify. If there is defective equipment on the bicycle or it is not in good working order, the applicant for the license shall be informed of the defects or conditions that must be corrected.
(C) Issuance of license; term; fee; tag or decal.
(1) The Police Department is authorized and directed to issue bicycle licenses upon the certification of the Police Department referred to in division (B) above. The Police Department at the time of issuing the license shall complete a registration card, showing the name, age and address of the applicant, the name and address of the applicant’s parent, guardian or custodian, if the applicant is a minor, and the make, manufacturer’s number, color and description of the bicycle. A copy of such registration card shall be issued to the applicant.
(2) Bicycle licenses shall be issued on or before June 1, and shall be valid until March 31 in the following year only, and April 1 of each succeeding year unless revoked sooner under this chapter.
(3) The annual license fee for each bicycle shall be $.50 payable in advance. The license may be transferred without charge whenever the ownership of the bicycle is transferred to any other bicycle purchased and operated by the licensee, but shall not be transferred to any person other than the original licensee. Upon transfer of such license, the original decal or plate shall be returned to the City Auditor.
(4) The Police Department shall provide a tag or decal bearing a distinctive identification and the year of issuance stamped thereon.
(5) Before the owner of a bicycle operates it, or permits it to be operated upon any street of the municipality, he shall cause its decal or plate to be securely attached to the rear of the bicycle in such a position that it is visible at all times.
(D) Suspension.
(1) Violations of this section by minors shall be reported to the Chief of Police, who shall maintain a record of such reported violations.
(2) Upon the first reported violation, a warning shall be issued to the minor and the parents, guardian or person having the care and control of the minor.
(3) Upon the reporting of a second violation within one year of the first reported violation, the Police Chief shall serve notice upon the minor and the parent, guardian or person having control of the minor to appear at a time set in the notice. If, upon hearing, it is determined by the Police Chief that a violation of this section did occur and that the minor cited was the person responsible for the violation, the Police Chief may suspend the license granted under this section for a period of not more than 90 days.
(4) Upon the reporting of a third violation within one year after the first reported violation, the Police Chief or his duly authorized representative shall serve notice upon the minor and the parent, guardian, or person having the care and custody of the minor to appear at a time set in the notice. If upon hearing it is determined by the Police Chief that a violation of this section did occur and that the minor cited was the person responsible for the violation, the Police Chief may suspend the license granted under this chapter for a period not more than one year.
(E) Appeal. Any minor who has his bicycle license suspended, or any parent, guardian or person having the care and control of such minor, may appeal from the determination of the Police Chief to the Mayor, by filing a written notice of appeal within ten days after the determination by the Police Chief. The Mayor shall hear such appeal and may affirm, reverse or modify the suspension imposed by the Police Chief. The decision of the Mayor shall be final.
(2003 Code, § 75.11) (Ord. 1937, passed 8-1-1968) Penalty, see § 70.99