Bikes, Skateboards and Rollerblades Ordinance Reminder From OPD

Some bicyclists enjoying the warm weather in Oskaloosa on Tuesday

Warmer weather is fast approaching and soon bicyclist, skateboarders and rollerbladders will be out in full force. The Oskaloosa Police Department would like to remind everyone of some the city ordinances regulating bicycles, skateboards and rollerblades:

• No person shall ride or operate a bicycle upon a street, alley, or any public place in the city unless the owner has registered the bicycle with the police department. You may register your bike for $1.00 at the police department during normal business hours.
• It is unlawful for any person to alter any bicycle license sticker.
• A person riding a bicycle upon a public street shall obey all traffic laws.
• No person shall ride a bicycle in the city square.
•  Bicycles shall be ridden in single file upon all sidewalks and shall yield to all pedestrians.
• Bicycles shall not be ridden more than single file in the business district and not over two abreast elsewhere.
• No person shall operate a bike in an irregular or reckless manner.
• All bicycles ridden on the roadway or public path shall be kept to the right and shall ride as close to the right-hand edge of the roadway as possible.
• No bicycle shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed and equipped.
• No person riding a bicycle shall carry any package, bundle or article which prevents the rider from keeping at least one hand upon the handle bars.
• Every bicycle shall be equipped with a brake which will allow the operator to make the braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement.
• Every bicycle shall be equipped with a white light on the front and a red light or red reflector on the rear if ridden after dark.
• A person who violates any of the laws pertaining to bike operation may have their bicycle impounded by the city.
• Skateboards and rollerblades and rollerskates shall not be used on any of the city streets and shall not be used on sidewalks within the area (business district) inside the perimeter of the following described streets: commencing at the intersection of D Street and A Avenue; thence east to the intersection of A Avenue and Third Street; thence south to the intersection of Third Street and Second Avenue; thence west to the intersection of Second Avenue and D Street; thence north to the point of beginning. This section shall not prohibit the use of skateboards, rollerblades or rollerskates within the “bike/skate park”.
• Skateboards, rollerblades and rollerskates may be operated on sidewalks outside of the business district, however, the person riding a skateboard shall upon meeting a pedestrian dismount until the pedestrian has passed. If they are going in the same direction, the person shall dismount and walk past the pedestrian.

The Oskaloosa Police Department would also like to remind motorist to be watchful of bicyclist and pedestrian traffic especially in neighborhoods and near the recreation trail. Please share the road and do your part to make this a safe summer for all. If you have questions about, you may call the Oskaloosa Police Department at 673-3201.