Sec. 18-3. - Riding, etc., animals, bicycles, etc., on sidewalks, etc.

(a)

Persons thirteen (13) years of age and older are prohibited from operating bicycles, scooters, skateboards, electric bikes (ebikes) or any motorized mode of transportation on town or state sidewalks. Bicycle operators: individuals on scooters or skateboards; operators of electric bikes (ebikes) and operators of any motorized mode of transportation, thirteen (13) years of age and older shall operate on public roadways, following the direction of traffic, operating on the right side of the road, if practical, and observing the traffic and vehicle laws, proscribed for bicycle operation, as specified in the Rhode Island General Laws. Persons younger than thirteen (13) years of age are permitted to operate on sidewalks, with caution given to pedestrians. Persons of any age are permitted to walk a bicycle, scooter, or electric bike (ebike) on a public sidewalk.

(b)

A person operating an electric personal assistive mobility device (EPAMD) on a town or state sidewalk shall be granted all the rights and shall be subject to all the duties applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances; provided, however, that a person riding a EPAMD on a sidewalk, bicycle path or trail shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians or give an audible signal before overtaking any passing pedestrian. Any person using and EPAMD shall exercise a high degree of care when passing a pedestrian using a wheelchair, walker or other mobility aid and only pass when the width of the sidewalk exceeds five (5) feet.

(c)

It shall be unlawful to park, store, and block pedestrian access in part or full by any form of motorized mode of transportation on any town or state sidewalks.

(Code 1967, § 28-4; Ord. of 10-12-2021)

Cross reference— Animals and fowl, Ch. 3.