Relating to nonvehicular personal transportation, including bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices, and pedestrian conveyances, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable

As such, among other regulations, a person riding a bicycle on a highway must obey the speed limit, not use an electronic device, avoid riding recklessly, and maintain control of the bicycle. The bill expands this provision and applies it to the use of any device. However, in accordance with current law, a person is not required to register a device, hold a driver’s license, or maintain or carry proof of financial liability coverage for the device. The bill prohibits a person from using a device on a highway other than in a manner that complies with the device manufacturer’s recommended use and, if applicable, upon or astride a permanent and regular seat attached to the device, and prohibits the person from carrying more persons at one time than the number of persons for which the device is designed and equipped. These regulations exist under current law for persons riding a bicycle, and the bill expands these regulations to persons using any device. The bill prohibits a person using a device from carrying a package, bundle, or article that prevents the person from keeping the person’s hands on the handlebar or other steering mechanism of the device at all times. Additionally, a person using a device is prohibited from holding onto or attaching the device to a moving motor vehicle. _____ The bill prohibits a person from using a device on a roadway with a speed limit above miles per hour, except when crossing such a roadway or when using the device in a bicycle lane. The bill authorizes a person to use a device on sidewalks and multi-use trails unless using a device is prohibited and notice of the prohibition is posted. In accordance with current law, a local authority may regulate the operation of bicycles and require the registration and licensing of the bicycles, including the requirement of a registration fee, so long as the regulations do not conflict with the bill. A person using a device on a sidewalk or multi-use trail must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and give an audible signal before overtaking a pedestrian. The bill prohibits using a device at a rate of speed greater than miles per hour (MPH) on a sidewalk or multi-use trail, and prohibits the use of a class low-speed electric bicycle on a sidewalk or multi-use trail. Pursuant to current law, a class low-speed electric bicycle must be equipped with fully operable pedals and a motor of less than 750 watts that may be used to provide assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of MPH or more. The bill moves but retains the current requirement for a class low-speed electric bicycle to have a speedometer that displays the bicycle’s speed in MPH and the prohibition against persons under the age of operating a class low-speed electric bicycle. The bill requires a device to be equipped with at least one brake that allows the person to make the braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement. _____ of 300 feet to the rear; except that a red reflector may be used in lieu of a rear light. The bill expands this regulation and applies it to the use of any device. A violation of the bill, other than the requirement to use a light or reflector ($35 scheduled fine), is a simple misdemeanor. A simple misdemeanor is punishable by confinement for no more than days and a fine of at least $105 but not more than $855. This is an increase over the penalty for violations specific to bicycles under current law, a $35 scheduled fine, and the penalty for violations specific to electric personal assistive mobility devices or low-speed electric bicycles under current law, a $25 scheduled fine.8A.