§ 46-2. Regulation of bicycles, skateboards and non-motorized wheeled devices.

(a)

Declaration of policy. It is hereby found and declared that the presence of persons riding bicycles, skateboards and other motorized or non-motorized wheeled devices upon public sidewalks and walkways endangers public safety and the general health and welfare of the community.

(b)

General prohibition. It is hereby declared unlawful to ride or propel any bicycle, skateboard or other motorized or non-motorized wheeled device upon any public sidewalk or walkway in the City of Danbury.

(c)

Parental liability; general liability.

(1)

No parent or legal guardian of a child under the age of sixteen (16) shall authorize or knowingly allow such child to violate the provisions of this section.

(2)

Whenever a Police Officer apprehends a child under the age of sixteen (16) violating the provisions of this section, such Police Officer may issue a citation in accordance with section 2-2 to said child by leaving a copy of the written warning with the child's parent or legal guardian.

(3)

Whenever a Police Officer apprehends someone sixteen (16) years of age and over violating the provisions of this section, such Police Officer may issue a citation in accordance with section 2-2 to said person.

(d)

Penalties. Any person, parent or legal guardian who is found to violate any provision of this section shall be fined fifty dollars ($50.00) for the first offense and seventy-five dollars ($75.00) for any additional offense.

(e)

Authorization to erect signs. The traffic authority of the City of Danbury is hereby authorized to erect signs prohibiting the activity specified pursuant to the provisions hereof.

(f)

Exclusion.

(1)

Any prohibition or restriction set forth herein shall not apply to any vehicle or device operated by a Police Officer or other law enforcement or public safety official;

(2)

Devices operated by persons for the sole purpose of transporting infants and children such as strollers and carriages designed for said purposes; and

(3)

Devices operated by persons with a disability for the purposes of transportation of said person such as wheelchairs and similar motorized and non-motorized devices designed for that purpose.

(g)

Interpretation. No provision of this section shall be interpreted or construed to prohibit speech, expression or conduct protected by the laws of the United States or of the State of Connecticut.

(Code 1961, § 12-5; Ord. No. 581, 11-7-2002)

State law reference

Bicycles, C.G.S. § 14-286 et seq.; municipal regulation of bicycles, C.G.S. § 14-289.