Lovell scooter and bike ordinances go into effect

The Lovell Town Council last week passed on third and final reading eight ordinances regarding the use of scooters and other devices in town after a series of complaints from citizens in the preceding months about young people driving scooters in an unsafe manner.

Meeting at town hall for their regular monthly session on March 10, the council members voted unanimously to approve ordinances 1025 through 1032 pertaining to scooters and bicycles.

In an interview Tuesday, Lovell Chief of Police said the ordinances regulating scooters and other personal mobility devices are aimed at improving safety and clarifying rules for riders in the community.

“We’ve had several reports and (ourselves) witnessed scooters pulling out in front of traffic,” he said. “We had some near misses there and with pedestrians on sidewalks.”

He said the town code also needed to be updated to fit current devices.

“The updates establish clear definitions for devices such as electric scooters, low-power scooters, electric-assisted bicycles and motorized skateboards, while outlining how and where they may be used,” Haney said. “These devices are becoming more and more common in our community, especially among younger riders. The goal of these ordinances is not to restrict use but to make sure everyone understands the rules and operates them safely.”

Under the updated code in Ordinance 1026, riders are granted the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers when operating on public streets, Haney noted. They place responsibility on parents and guardians to ensure minors comply with the law.

“Riders must operate scooters and similar devices in a safe and lawful manner and obey traffic laws,” the chief said. “The ordinances prohibit reckless or careless riding and require devices used after dark to have proper lighting and visibility equipment. Riders must also remain aware of traffic and pedestrians at all times.”

Haney said electric scooters are not permitted on Main Street or its sidewalks under the new ordinances, and the ordinances allow for citations in cases of unsafe operation and reinforce safety equipment requirements.

“We have seen and received reports of close calls involving scooters, and responsible riding goes a long way in preventing an accident,” Haney said. “Our priority is keeping Lovell safe, and these updates help us do that while still allowing people to enjoy these devices.”

Ordinance highlights

Ordinance 1025 updates definitions for devices covered in the ordinances to follow.

Ordinance 1027 sets forth penalties for reckless and careless driving including suspension of a driver’s or operator’s license.

Ordinance 1028 requires a white light to be used on a device after sunset and before sunrise, requires a red light for electrical and motor assisted bicycles and requires red reflectors for non-electrical or motor assisted bicycles. All devices must have reflective material on the device and be equipped with proper brakes.

Ordinance 1029, among many provisions, requires riders on devices to yield to pedestrians, prohibits more than one rider on any device not designed for multiple persons, requires scooter operators to keep one hand on the handlebars at all times, regulates parking, requires riders under 18 to wear a safety helmet, prohibits riders to carry packages or bundles, prohibits reckless or trick riding and more.

Ordinance 1030 prohibits devices to be ridden on Main Street sidewalks between Idaho and Pennsylvania avenues. Riders under 18 may not ride across Main Street but rather must dismount and walk the device across the street at a crosswalk. Riders must yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal when approaching a pedestrian from behind.

Ordinance 1031 regulates riding on roadways such as riding into the path of a moving vehicle and requires riding as close to the righthand curb as possible except when preparing to turn left, avoiding an obstacle or riding on a one-way street.

Ordinance 1032 establishes a penalty of up to a $750 fine.

Haney said the Lovell Police Department will stress education at first to give parents and kids time to become familiar with the new ordinances. He said officers will issue warnings first and also participate in future classes on proper riding of scooters and bicycles.

All of the ordinances are printed in their entirety in this week’s Chronicle.

Other council work

In other action on March 10, Mayor Tom Newman appointed, and the council approved, Adrin Mayes and Wayne Curtis to the Lovell Western Arena and Motor Sports Center board of directors, which governs the Lovell Rodeo Grounds.

The council also voted to approve a catering permit for Aud’s Four Corners for the North Big Horn Hospital Foundation Evening With Friends event on April 25 at the community center.