HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 12/19/2017 - ITEMS RELATING TO THE FORT COLLINS TRAFFIC CODEAgenda Item 9
Item # 9 Page 1
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY December 19, 2017
City Council
STAFF
Sara Lynd, Police Sergeant
Bronwyn Scurlock, Legal
SUBJECT
Items Relating to the Fort Collins Traffic Code.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A. First Reading of Ordinance No. 173, 2017, Amending Various Sections of the Fort Collins Traffic Code.
B. First Reading of Ordinance No. 174, 2017, Amending Various Sections of Part 21 of the Fort Collins Traffic
Code Regulating Bicycles.
The purpose of this item is to ensure that the Fort Collins Traffic Code (the Traffic Code) is consistent with
Colorado traffic laws.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends adoption of the Ordinances on First Reading.
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
The Colorado General Assembly regularly amends certain statutory provisions relating to traffic laws. At the
time of the most recent adoption of the Traffic Code, it was the understanding of staff and Council that the
Traffic Code would most likely be subject to future amendments, not only for the purpose of clarification and
correction of errors, but also to ensure that the Traffic Code remains consistent with state traffic laws.
Ordinance No. 173, 2017 reflects proposed changes to the Traffic Code to be consistent with amended or
recently adopted statutory provisions relating to commercial vehicles, motorcycles, misuse of wireless
telephones, use of earphones while driving, operation on approach of emergency vehicles, nuisance exhibition
of motor vehicle exhaust, and driving under restraint. Further, staff has recognized an error in the speed limit
provision of the Traffic Code, and recommends making it clear that no person shall drive a vehicle on a
highway at a speed greater than the posted speed limit or an official traffic control device. Staff has also
proposed a clarification to the stopping, standing or parking prohibition in that all measurements shall be
calculated laterally along the curb or edge of the roadway to ensure consistent enforcement.
Ordinance No. 174, 2017 reflects proposed changes to Part 21 of the Traffic Code regulating bicycles to be
consistent with amended or recently adopted statutory provisions including a revised definition of an electrical
assisted bicycle with three new classes of electric assisted bicycles and pertinent regulations. Class 1 is
equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide
assistance when the bicycles reaches a speed of twenty miles per hour. Class 2 is equipped with a motor that
provides assistance regardless of whether the rider is pedaling but ceases to provide assistance when the
bicycle reaches a speed of twenty miles per hour. Class 3 is equipped with a motor that provides assistance
only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of
twenty-eight miles per hour.
Agenda Item 9
Item # 9 Page 2
The new state law grants local authorities the ability to prohibit the use of an electric assisted bicycle on bike or
pedestrian paths. The discussion of whether to allow electric assisted bicycles on trails is anticipated to go to
the Bicycle Advisory Committee and the Transportation Board in February or March of 2018 to determine
whether they will proceed with a formal recommendation about electric assisted bicycles on trails. In the
meantime, staff proposes adding a provision into the Traffic Code prohibiting all persons riding electric assisted
bicycles while the motor is engaged on a bike or pedestrian path or on a recreational trail, consistent with
current City Code parks, trails and recreation area regulations.
BOARD / COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Coinciding with the recent State legislation and in anticipation of the update to City Plan, the City's Bicycle
Advisory Committee (BAC) embarked on a process to evaluate Fort Collins current code as it relates to the
use of electric assisted bicycles on Fort Collins’ paved trail system. Through this process, the BAC has
developed a white paper outlining the history of previous electric assisted bicycle discussions in Fort Collins,
relevant legislation, and summarizing information from affected City departments. This paper was
unanimously supported by the BAC on August 28, and subsequently presented to the Transportation Board on
September 20, 2107. The Transportation Board recommended further outreach to City boards and
commissions to seek their input on the topic. The BAC is currently conducting outreach to affected boards and
commissions, and anticipates bringing the topic back to the BAC and Transportation Board in February/March
2018 to determine next steps and whether they will proceed with a formal recommendation about electric
assisted bicycles on trails. The BAC and Transportation Board are still in the fact-finding portion of this effort
and have not expressed an official position on electric assisted bikes at this time.
The topic of allowing or disallowing electric assisted bicycles on local and regional trails is also being
discussed at a regional level with the NoCo Bicycle and Pedestrian Collaborative and Northern Colorado
Regional Open Space entities. With a desire to maintain consistency across regional trails, conversations and
decisions among partner jurisdictions will be an important component to the Bicycle Advisory's evaluation and
the City's position.
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ORDINANCE NO. 173, 2017
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THE FORT COLLINS TRAFFIC CODE
WHEREAS, on February 18, 2003, by Ordinance No. 016, 2003, the City Council adopted
the Fort Collins Traffic Code (The “Traffic Code”); and
WHEREAS, at the time of the adoption of the Traffic Code, it was the understanding of
staff and the City Council that the Traffic Code would most likely be subject to future amendments,
not only for the purpose of clarification and correction of errors, but also for the purpose of
ensuring that the Traffic Code remains consistent with Colorado traffic laws; and
WHEREAS, the Colorado General Assembly has amended certain statutory provisions
relating to commercial vehicles, motorcycles, misuse of wireless telephones, use of earphones
while driving, and operation on approach of emergency vehicles; and
WHEREAS, the Colorado General Assembly has added new statutory provisions including
nuisance exhibition of motor vehicle exhaust and driving under restraint due to an outstanding
judgment; and
WHEREAS, City staff has reviewed these changes to state law and recommends amending
the Traffic Code to be consistent with such changes; and
WHEREAS, staff has also recognized an error in the speed limit provision of the Traffic
Code, and recommends amending it to make it clear that no person shall drive a vehicle on a
highway at a speed greater than the posted speed limit or an official traffic control device.
WHEREAS, staff has also proposed a clarification to the stopping, standing or parking
prohibition in that all measurements shall be calculated laterally along the curb or edge of the
roadway to ensure consistent enforcement; and
WHEREAS, the Council has determined that these Traffic Code amendments are in the
best interest of the City and its citizens.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS as follows:
Section 1. That the City Council hereby makes and adopts the determinations and
findings contained in the recitals set forth above.
Section 2. That Section 235 of the Fort Collins Traffic Code is hereby amended to read
as follows:
235. Minimum standards for commercial vehicles.
(1) As used in this Section, unless the context otherwise requires:
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(a) Commercial vehicle means a any self-propelled or towed vehicle: bearing
an apportioned plate or having a manufacture’s gross vehicle weight ratio or gross
combination rating of ten thousand one (10,001) pounds or more, which vehicle is
used in commerce on the public highways of this State or is designed to transport
sixteen (16) or more passengers, including the driver, unless such vehicle is a school
bus regulated by section 1904 of this Traffic Code, or any vehicle that does not
have a gross vehicle weight rating of twenty-six thousand one (26,001) or more
pounds and that is owned or operated by a school district so long as such school
district does not receive remuneration for the use of such vehicle not including
reimbursement for the use of such vehicle; and
(b) Any motor vehicle designed or equipped to transport other motor vehicles
from place to place by means of winches cables, pulleys or other equipment for
towing, pulling or lifting, when such motor vehicle is used in commerce on the
public highways of this State.
(I) bearing an apportioned plate;
(II) having a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating or gross
combination rating of at least sixteen thousand one (16,001) pounds
and used in commerce on public highways; or
(III) having a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating or gross
combination rating of at least sixteen thousand one (16,001) pounds
and used to transport sixteen (16) or more passengers, including the
driver, unless the vehicle is a school bus or a vehicle that does not
have a gross vehicle weight rating of twenty-six thousand one
(26,001) or more pounds and that is owned or operated by a school
district so long as the school district does not receive remuneration,
other than reimbursement of the school district’s costs, for the use
of the vehicle.
(cb) Department means the Department of Public Safety.
(dc) Motor carrier means every person, lessee, receiver or trustee appointed by
any court whatsoever owning, controlling, operating or managing any commercial
vehicle.
(2) No person shall operate a commercial vehicle on any public highway unless such
vehicle is in compliance with the rules and regulations adopted by the Department.
Any person who violates a rule or regulation promulgated by the Department
commits a traffic offense.
Section 3. That Section 236(c) of the Fort Collins Traffic Code is hereby amended to
read as follows:
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236. Child restraint systems required – definition- exemptions.
. . .
(c) Motor vehicle means a passenger car; a pickup truck; or a van, minivan or sport
utility vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of less than ten thousand (10,000)
pounds. Motor vehicle does not include motorcycles that are not autocycles, low-
power scooters, motorscooters, motorbicycles, motorized bicycles and farm
tractors and implements of husbandry designed primarily or exclusively for use in
agricultural operations.
. . .
Section 4. That Section 237 of the Fort Collins Traffic Code is hereby amended to read
as follows:
237. Safety belt systems – mandatory use – exemptions – penalty.
(1) As used in this Section:
. . .
(b) Safety belt system means a system utilizing a lap belt, shoulder belt or any
other belt or combination of belts installed in a motor vehicle or an
autocycle to restrain drivers and passengers, which system conforms to
federal motor vehicle safety standards.
(2) Unless exempted pursuant to Subsection (3) of this Section, every driver of and
every front seat passenger in a motor vehicle and every driver and every passenger
in an autocycle equipped with a safety belt system shall wear a fastened safety belt
while the motor vehicle is being operated on a street or highway on the City.
. . .
Section 5. That Section 239 of the Fort Collins Traffic Code is hereby amended to read
as follows:
239. Misuse of wireless telephones - definitions.
. . .
(3) No person eighteen (18) years of age or older shall use a wireless telephone for the
purpose of engaging in text messaging or other similar forms of manual data entry
or transmission while operating a motor vehicle.
. . .
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(5) (a) A person who operates a motor vehicle in violation of Subsection (2) or (3)
of this Section commits a traffic infraction defined in Section 1-15 of the
City Code, and the court shall assess a minimum fine of fifty dollars ($50).
(b) The court shall assess a fine of one hundred dollars ($100) upon a second
or subsequent violation of Subsection (2) or (3) of this Section.
(5.5) (a) A person who operates a motor vehicle in violation of subsection (3) of this
Section commits a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense, and the court shall
assess a fine of three hundred dollars ($300).
(6) (a) An operator of a motor vehicle shall not be cited for a violation of
Subsection (2) of this Section unless the operator was under eighteen (18)
years of age and a law enforcement officer saw the operator use a wireless
telephone.
(b) An operator of a motor vehicle shall not be cited for a violation of
Subsection (3) of this Section unless the operator was eighteen (18) years
of age or older and a law enforcement officer saw the operator use a wireless
telephone for the purpose of engaging in text messaging or other similar
forms of manual data entry or transmission, in a manner that caused the
operator to drive in a careless and imprudent manner, without due regard
for the width, grade, curves, corners, traffic, and use of the streets and
highways and all other attendant circumstances, as prohibited by Section
1402.
. . .
Section 6. That Part 3 of the Fort Collins Traffic Code is hereby amended by the
addition of a new Section 303 which reads in its entirety as follows:
303. Nuisance exhibition of motor vehicle exhaust – prohibition.
(1) A person shall not engage in nuisance exhibition of motor vehicle exhaust, which
is the knowing release of soot, smoke, or other particulate emissions from a motor
vehicle with a gross motor vehicle weight rating of fourteen thousand pounds or
less into the air and onto roadways, other motor vehicles, bicyclists, or pedestrians,
in a manner that obstructs or obscures another person’s view of the roadway, other
users of the roadway, or a traffic control device or otherwise creates hazard to a
driver, bicyclist, or pedestrian.
a. This prohibition does not apply to:
(I) A commercial vehicle;
(II) A common carrier;
(III) A motor carrier of passengers;
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(IV) A motor carrier of towed motor vehicles;
(V) A motor carrier of household goods;
(VI) A motor vehicle used for agricultural purposes; or
(VII) Any other vehicle used for commercial activities.
(2) Any person who violates the provisions of Subsection (1) of this Section is guilty
of a traffic infraction and will be fined one hundred dollars ($100).
Section 7. That Section 705(3) of the Fort Collins Traffic Code is hereby amended to
read as follows:
705. Operation on approach of emergency vehicles.
. . .
(3) A driver in a vehicle that is approaching or passing a stationary authorized
emergency vehicle that is giving a visual signal by means of flashing, rotating or
oscillating red, blue or white lights as permitted by Section 213 or 222 shall exhibit
due care and caution and proceed as described in Paragraphs (a), and (b) and (c) of
this Subsection (3) when approaching or passing Any person who violates
Subsection (3) of this Section commits careless driving as described in Section
1402. a stationary authorized emergency vehicle that is giving a visual signal by
means of flashing, rotating, or oscillating red, blue, or white lights as permitted by
Section 213 or 222; a stationary towing carrier vehicle that is giving a visual signal
by means of flashing, rotating, or oscillating yellow lights; or a stationary public
utility service vehicle that is giving a visual signal by means of flashing, rotating,
or oscillating amber lights.
(a) On a highway with at least two (2) adjacent lanes proceeding in the same
direction on the same side of the highway where a stationary authorized
emergency vehicle is located, stationary towing carrier vehicle, or
stationary public utility service vehicle is located, the driver of an
approaching or passing vehicle shall proceed with due care and caution and
yield the right-of-way by moving into a lane at least one (1) moving lane
apart from the stationary authorized emergency vehicle, stationary towing
carrier vehicle, or stationary public utility service vehicle, unless directed
otherwise by a peace officer or other authorized emergency personnel. If
movement to an adjacent moving lane is not possible due to weather, road
conditions or the immediate presence of vehicular or pedestrian traffic, the
driver of the approaching vehicle shall proceed in the manner described in
Paragraph (b) of this Subsection (3).
(b) On a highway that does not have at least two (2) adjacent lanes proceeding
in the same direction on the same side of the highway where a stationary
authorized emergency vehicle, stationary towing carrier vehicle, or
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stationary public utility service vehicle is located, or if movement by the
driver of the approaching vehicle into an adjacent moving lane, as described
in Paragraph (a) of this Subsection (3), is not possible, the driver of an
approaching vehicle shall reduce and maintain a safe speed with regard to
the location of the stationary authorized emergency vehicle, stationary
towing carrier vehicle, or stationary public utility service vehicle, weather
conditions, road conditions and vehicular or pedestrian traffic and proceed
with due care and caution, or as directed by a peace officer or other
authorized emergency personnel.
(c) Any person who violates Subsection (3) of this Section commits careless
driving as described in Section 1402.
Section 8. That Section 1101 of the Fort Collins Traffic Code is hereby amended to
read as follows:
1101. Speed limits.
(1) No person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable
and prudent under the conditions then existing and in no event greater than the
posted speed limit or a speed limit designated by an official traffic control device.
(2) Except when a special hazard exists that requires a lower speed, the following
speeds are hereby established, and no person shall drive a vehicle in excess of such
speed:
. . .
(i) Any speed not in excess of a speed limit designated by an official traffic
control device.
. . .
Section 9. That Section 1204 of the Traffic Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
1204. - Stopping, standing or parking prohibited in specified places.
. . .
(2) Except as otherwise provided in Subsection (4) of this Section, in addition to the
restrictions specified in Subsection (1) of this Section, no person shall stand or park a
vehicle, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with
the directions of a police officer, emergency services personnel, or an official traffic control
device, in any of the following places:
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(a) Within five (5) feet of a public or private driveway; except
(I) Buses engaged as common carriers, school busses or taxicabs may stop in
such locations to load and unload passengers.
(II) Vehicles being expeditiously loaded and unloaded, provided that the
vehicle's flashing emergency lights are activated and the vehicle is not
obstructing traffic.
(b) Within fifteen (15) feet of a fire hydrant;
(c) Within twenty (20) feet of a crosswalk;
(d) Within thirty (30) feet upon the approach to any flashing beacon or signal, stop
sign, yield sign or traffic control signal located at the side of a roadway;
(e) Within twenty (20) feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station or on the side
of a street opposite the entrance to any fire station, within seventy-five (75) feet of
said entrance when properly signposted;
(f) With less thenthan two (2) feet of clearance between vehicles;
(g) At any other place where official signs or red curb markings are used to prohibit
standing or parking.
For purposes of this Subsection (2) and the following Subsection (3), all measurements
shall be calculated laterally along the curb or edge of the roadway.
. . .
Section 10. That a new Section 1402.1 is hereby added to the Fort Collins Traffic Code
and reads in its entirety as follows:
1402.1 Driving under restraint.
Any person who drives a motor vehicle or off-highway vehicle upon any highway of this
state with knowledge that the person’s license or privilege to drive, either as a resident or
nonresident, is under restraint for an outstanding judgment is guilty of a traffic infraction.
The fine must not be more than one hundred ($100) dollars, and there may not be a
reduction in the three (3) point penalty.
Section 11. That Section 1411 of the Fort Collins Traffic Code is hereby amended to
read as follows:
1411. Use of earphones while driving.
(1) No person shall operate a motor vehicle while wearing earphones.
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(2) For purposes of this Subsection (1), earphones includes any headset, radio, tape
player or other similar device which provides the listener with radio programs,
music or other recorded information through a device attached to the head and
which covers all of or a portion of the ears. Earphones do not include speakers or
other listening devices which that are built into protective headgear or a device or
portion of a device that only covers all or a portion of one ear and that is connected
to a wireless, hand-held telephone.
Section 12. That Section 1502 of the Fort Collins Traffic Code is hereby amended to
read as follows:
1502. Riding on motorcycles or low-power scooters – protective helmet.
. . .
(4.5) (a) Except as provided in paragraph (c) of this Subsection, Aa person shall not
operate drive or ride as a passenger on a motorcycle or low-power scooter
on a roadway unless:
(I) each person under eighteen years of age is wearing a protective
helmet of a type and design manufactured for use by operators of
motorcycles;
(II) the protective helmet conforms to the design and specifications set
forth in paragraph (b) of this subsection (4.5); and
(III) the protective helmet is secured properly on the person’s head with
a chin strap while the motorcycle is in motion.
(b) A protective helmet required to be worn by this subsection (4.5) shall:
(I) be designed to reduce injuries to the user resulting from head
impacts and to protect the user by remaining on the user’s head,
deflecting blows, resisting penetration, and spreading the force of
impact;
(II) consist of lining, padding, and chin strap; and
(III) meet or exceed the standards established in the United States
department of transportation federal motor vehicle safety standard
no. 218, 49 CFR 571.218, for motorcycle helmets.
(c) A person driving or riding a motorcycle need not wear a helmet if the
motorcycle has:
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(I) three wheels;
(II) a maximum design speed of twenty-five miles per hour or less;
(III) a windshield; and
(IV) seat belts.
Section 13. That Section 2002 of the Fort Collins Traffic Code is hereby amended by
the addition of a new definition “Autocycle” which reads in its entirety as follows:
Autocycle. A three-wheeled motorcycle that does not use handlebars or any other device
that is directly connected to a single front wheel to steer and in which the driver and each
passenger ride in a fully or partly enclosed seating area that is equipped with safety belts
for all occupants. For purposes of this subsection, “partially enclosed seating area” means
a seating area that is entirely or partly surrounded on the sides by the frame or body of a
vehicle but is not fully enclosed.
Section 14. That the definition “Motorcycle” contained in Section 2002 of the Fort
Collins Traffic Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
Motorcycle. Every An autocycle or a motor vehicle that uses handlebars or any other device
connected to the front wheel to steer and that is designed to travel on not more than three
(3) wheels in contact with the ground, except the term does not include a farm tractor, as
herein defined andlow-speed electric vehicle, or except a low-power scooter.
Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 19th day of
December, A.D. 2017, and to be presented for final passage on the 2nd day of January, A.D. 2018.
__________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
City Clerk
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Passed and adopted on final reading on the 2nd day of January, A.D. 2018.
__________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
City Clerk
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ORDINANCE NO. 174, 2017
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF PART 21 OF THE
FORT COLLINS TRAFFIC CODE REGULATING BICYCLES
WHEREAS, on February 18, 2003, by Ordinance No. 016, 2003, the City Council
adopted the Fort Collins Traffic Code (the “Traffic Code”); and
WHEREAS, at the time of the adoption of the Traffic Code, it was the understanding of
staff and the City Council that the Traffic Code would most likely be subject to future
amendments, not only for the purpose of clarification and correction of errors, but also for the
purpose of ensuring that the Traffic Code remains consistent with Colorado traffic laws; and
WHEREAS, in 2011, the City Council considered whether to permit electric assisted
bicycles on trails in parks and natural areas, and voted against it, only permitting motorized
wheelchairs, or other power mobility devices as defined in Title II of the Americans with
Disabilities Act; and
WHEREAS, on October 6, 2015, by Ordinance No. 120, 2015, the City Council adopted
a new Part 21 of the Traffic Code to include all laws regulating bicycles; and
WHEREAS, the Colorado General assembly has amended certain statutory provisions
relating to electric assisted bicycles; and
WHEREAS, staff recommends including those amendments in Part 21 of the Traffic
Code to make the Traffic Code consistent with state law and the City Code provisions regulating
electric assisted bicycles on trails; and
WHEREAS, the Council has determined that these Traffic Code amendments are in the
best interest of the City and its citizens.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FORT
COLLINS as follows:
Section 1. That the City Council hereby makes and adopts the determinations and
findings contained in the recitals set forth above.
Section 2. That Section 2002 of the Fort Collins Traffic Code is hereby amended to
read as follows:
2002. Definitions.
. . .
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(11) Electrical assisted bicycle. A vehicle having two (2) tandem wheels or two (2)
parallel three (3) wheels and one (1) forward wheel, fully operable pedals, and an
electric motor not exceeding seven hundred fifty (750) watts of power and a top
motor-powered speed of twenty (20) miles per hour.
Electrical assisted bicycles are further required to conform to one of three classes
as follows:
(a) “Class 1 electrical assisted bicycle” means an electrical assisted bicycle
equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is
pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a
speed of twenty (20) miles per hour.
(b) “Class 2 electrical assisted bicycle” means an electrical assisted bicycle
equipped with a motor that provides assistance regardless of whether the
rider is pedaling but ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches
a speed of twenty (20) miles per hour.
(c) “Class 3 electrical assisted bicycle” means an electrical assisted bicycle
equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is
pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a
speed of twenty-eight (28) miles per hour.
The term “electrical assisted bicycles” shall include class 1, 2 and 3, unless
otherwise specified.
. . .
(16) Motor vehicle. Any self-propelled vehicle that is designed primarily for travel on
the public highways and that is generally and commonly used to transport persons
and property over the public highways or a low-speed electric vehicle; except that
the term does not include electrical assisted bicycles, low-power scooters,
wheelchairs or vehicles moved solely by human power. Motor vehicle includes a
low-speed electric vehicle. For purposes of the offense described in section 1401
of this Traffic Code, motor vehicle includes a farm tractor or an off-highway
vehicle that is not otherwise classified as a motor vehicle.
. . .
Section 3. That Section 2101 of the Fort Collins Traffic Code is hereby amended to
read as follows:
2101. - General provisions.
(1) Every person riding a bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle upon a roadway where
bicycle and electrical assisted bicycle travel is permitted shall be granted all of the
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rights and shall be subject to all of the duties and penalties applicable to the driver
of a vehicle as set forth in this Traffic Code, except those provisions of this
Traffic Code that, by their very nature, can have no application. Said riders shall
also comply with special rules set forth in this Part and when using streets and
highways within the City, shall be subject to local ordinances regulating the
operation of bicycles and electrical assisted bicycles as provided in Section 42-4-
111, C.R.S. Whenever the word vehicle is used in any of the driving rules set
forth in this Traffic Code that are applicable to bicycle or electrical assisted
bicycle riders, such term shall include bicycles and electrical assisted bicycles.
(a) These regulations not in conflict with the Rules and Regulations
promulgated by Colorado State University pursuant to Sections 23-5-106
and 107, C.R.S. shall apply on the campus of the University.
(b) The parent of any child or guardian of any ward shall not authorize or
knowingly permit any child or ward to violate any provision of this Part.
(2) All persons are prohibited from riding electrical assisted bicycles
while the motor is engaged on a bike or pedestrian path or on a recreational trail.
(3) Persons prohibited from operating or riding a class 3 electrical assisted bicycle
upon roadways:
(a) A person under sixteen (16) years of age shall not ride a class 3 electrical
assisted bicycle upon any street or highway; except that such person may
ride as a passenger on a class 3 electrical assisted bicycle that is designed
to accommodate passengers.
(b) A person shall not operate or ride as a passenger on a class 3 electrical
assisted bicycle unless:
(I) each person under eighteen (18) years of age is wearing a
protective helmet of a type and design manufactured for use by
operators of bicycles;
(II) the protective helmet conforms to the design and specifications set
forth by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission
or the American Society for Testing and Materials; and
(III) the protective helmet is secured properly on the person’s head with
a chin strap while the class 3 electrical assisted bicycle is in
motion.
Section 4. That Section 2107 of the Fort Collins Traffic Code is hereby amended to
read as follows:
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2107. - Lights, reflectors and equipment.
(1) Every bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle in use at the times described in Section
204 shall be equipped with a lamp on the front emitting a white light visible from
a distance of at least five hundred (500) feet to the front.
(2) Every bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle shall be equipped with a red reflector
of a type approved by the State Department of Revenue, which shall be visible for
six hundred (600) feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of
headlamps on a motor vehicle.
(3) Every bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle when in use at the times described in
Section 204 shall be equipped with reflective material of sufficient size and
reflectivity to be visible from both sides for six hundred (600) feet when directly
in front of lawful lower beams of head lamps on a motor vehicle or, in lieu of
such reflective material, with a lighted lamp visible from both sides from a
distance of at least five hundred (500) feet.
(4) Every bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle shall be equipped with a brake or
brakes that will enable its rider to stop the bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle
within twenty-five (25) feet from a speed of ten (10) miles per hour on dry, level,
clean pavement.
(5) A bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle or its rider may be equipped with lights or
reflectors in addition to those required by Subsections (1) through (3) of this
Section.
(6) No bicycle or electrical assisted bicycle shall be equipped with, nor shall any
person use upon such a vehicle, a siren or whistle.
(7) A person shall not knowingly modify an electrical assisted bicycle so as to change
the speed capability or motor engagement of the electrical assisted bicycle
without also appropriately replacing, or causing to be replaced, the manufacturer
or distributor label, which is required after January 1, 2018, that contains the
classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage of the electrical
assisted bicycle.
(8) An electrical assisted bicycle must comply with the equipment and manufacturing
requirements for bicycles adopted by the United States Consumer Safety
Commission and Codified at 16 CFR 1512 or its successor regulation.
(9) A class 2 electrical assisted bicycle must operate in a manner so that the electric
motor is disengaged or ceases to function when the brakes are applied. Class 1
and Class 3 electrical assisted bicycles must be equipped with a mechanism or
circuit that cannot be bypassed and that causes the electric motor to disengage or
cease to function when the rider stops pedaling.
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(10) A class 3 electrical assisted bicycle must be equipped with a speedometer that
displays, in miles per hour, the speed the electrical assisted bicycle is traveling.
Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 19th day of
December, A.D. 2017, and to be presented for final passage on the 2nd day of January, A.D.
2018.
__________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
City Clerk
Passed and adopted on final reading on the 2nd day of January, A.D. 2018.
__________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
City Clerk