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Chapter 124

VEHICLES, PEOPLE-POWERED

[HISTORY: Adopted by the Town of Henniker 7‑14‑1992. Amendments noted where applicable.] 

GENERAL REFERENCES

Vehicles and traffic ‑‑ See Ch. 120.

~ 124‑1. Purpose.

The purpose of this chapter is to promote pedestrian safety on all public walkways and sidewalks in the Downtown area of Henniker.

~ 124‑2. Applicability of statutes.

All provisions of the New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated shall apply.

~ 124‑3. Scope.

The scope of this chapter restricts the operation of bicycles and all other person‑powered vehicles on the public walkways and sidewalks of downtown Henniker.

~ 124‑4. Definitions. 

As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:

• BICYCLE ‑‑ Every device propelled by human power, upon which any person(s) may ride, having two tandem wheels.

• CHIEF OF POLICE ‑‑ The Chief of Police, Town of Henniker.

•  DOWNTOWN AREA ‑‑ The area of Main Street (East) to Ramsdell Road; Route 114 (South) to Grove Street; Western Avenue (West) to Fairview Avenue; Rush Road (North) to Rush Square; and Route 114 (North) to Prospect Street.

• PARTY ‑‑ Person(s) regardless of age.

•  PERSON‑POWERED VEHICLES ‑‑ Include but are not limited to skateboards, scooters, adult‑driven tricycles, roller blades and roller skates.

~ 124‑5. Riding on sidewalks and town-owned property in downtown area prohibited 

1. No person shall operate a bicycle or person‑powered vehicle on any public walkway or sidewalks on town-owned property within the downtown area, except at designated areas. (Revised 10-7-2008). 

2. In all other locations, bicycles and people‑powered vehicles shall yield the right‑of‑way to pedestrians at all times.

 ~ 124‑6. Required equipment. 

1. Headlamp. Every bicycle operated upon any public way during darkness shall be suitably equipped with front lamp and rear reflector sufficient to meet the requirements as set forth in RSA 266:86. 

2. Pedal reflector. No person shall operate any bicycle unless it is equipped with suitable pedal reflectors as set forth in RSA 266:87.

3. Brakes. No person shall operate any bicycle which is incapable of meeting the standard stopping distance as set forth in RSA 266:87.

 ~ 124‑7. Exceptions.

1. Any vehicle designated for and operated by a person considered to be handicapped and needed for the purpose of providing mobility to said individual.

2.  Tricycles operated by pre‑school‑aged children under supervision of responsible adult; stroller, carriages and wagons used by individuals for carrying children or daily necessities.

3. Bicycles, skateboards, scooters and adult‑driven tricycles are permitted only when dismounted; or in the case of roller blades or roller skates, not being worn but being under control of the operator.

~ 124‑8. Violations and penalties. 

1. Any party violating the provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a violation.

2. Any party who violates any provision of this chapter may have his/her bicycle, skateboard, roller blades or roller skates impounded by a police officer for a period of time not to exceed 30 days.

3. Any party who is in receipt of a second violation of this chapter and has his/her bicycle, skateboard, scooter, adult‑driven tricycle, roller blades or roller skates impounded shall pay a fee of $10 to have said article returned. In the case of a minor (15 years or younger), the fee and release from impoundment shall be accomplished by the parent(s) or legal guardian of the child.

4. A summons may be issued to those persons 16 years of age or older for any offense under this chapter payable with a fine up to $50.