City of Dover, NH Chapter 53 Bicycles and Play Vehicles

[HISTORY: Adopted by the City Council of the City of Dover 11-13-2013 by Ord. No. 2013.10.09-013 as Ch. 66 of the 2013 Code. Amendments noted where applicable.]

§ 53-1 Definitions.

As used in this chapter, the following terms mean:

SCOOTER

A motorized or nonmotorized vehicle consisting of a long footboard between two end wheels, controlled by an upright steering handle attached to the front wheel.

SIDEWALK

That portion of a public highway between the curb and the adjacent property lines.

SKATEBOARD

A short, narrow board having one set of two or more wheels mounted under it.

WAY

Any road, street, avenue, boulevard, court, parking lot or way legally accepted for maintenance and dedicated public use by the legislative authority of the state and/or City.

§ 53-2 Bicycle registration encouraged.

A. Any person residing in Dover who rides or operates any bicycle upon any way within the City of Dover is urged to register the same with the Police Department. In order to be registered, a bicycle shall:

[Amended 11-10-2021 by Ord. No. 2021.10.13-008[1]]

(1) Be in good, safe mechanical condition.

(2) Have a distinctive identification marker or serial number.

[1] Editor's Note: This ordinance also updated the title of § 53-2.

B. Any owner or person having the custody and control over any bicycle registered in accordance with the provisions hereof shall not attach any registration sticker to any bicycle other than that to which it is assigned. Fees and periods of registration shall be established by the Chief of Police.

§ 53-3 Operation of bicycles.

All bicycles shall be ridden or operated in accordance with all pertinent chapters of the New Hampshire Revised Statute Annotated

§ 53-4 Operation of skateboards and scooters.

A. The operation of skateboards and scooters shall be permitted within the City of Dover except on the ways and sidewalks and other public areas in the downtown vicinity specifically defined as follows, except for the City-owned skate park area adjacent to River Street between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:30 p.m., except when school is in session, when it may be used only by adults or by minors with parental or legal guardian supervision:

Name of Street/Facility	Location
All City parking lots
Broadway	From Central Avenue northerly to St. John Street
Central Avenue	From New York Street southerly to Silver Street
Chapel Street
Chestnut Street
Cochecho Riverwalk	Entire length
Fayette Street
Fifth Street	From Central Avenue westerly to Chestnut Street
First Street
Fourth Street	From Central Avenue westerly to Chestnut Street
Franklin Court
Green Street
Hale Street
Henry Law Avenue	From Washington Street southerly to George Street
Henry Law Park
Locust Street	From Washington Street southerly to Silver Street
Main Street
Mechanic Street
Orchard Street
Pierce Street
Portland Avenue	From Main Street to Cochecho Street
Preble Street
River Street
St. John Street
St. Thomas Street
School Street
Second Street
Sixth Street	From Central Avenue westerly to Chestnut Street
Third Street	From Central Avenue westerly to Chestnut Street
Trombley Street
Waldron Court
Washington Street	From Belknap Street easterly to Main Street
William Street
Young Street

B. All skateboards and scooters shall be ridden or operated with due care with regard for rules governing pedestrians and pedestrian safety.

§ 53-5 Reflective material required.

During the hours of darkness (1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise), any person operating a skateboard, rollerblades, scooter, or roller skates shall be required to have reflective material, and it shall be worn/displayed so that it is visible to vehicle headlights.

§ 53-6 Violations and penalties.

A. Any person 16 years of age or older found violating this chapter shall be guilty of a violation and shall be subject to a fine as provided in the City Fine Schedule.

[Amended 2-12-2020 by Ord. No. 2020.01.08-001]

B. Any person under the age of 16 found in violation of this chapter may have his/her bicycle impounded by the Police Department for a period not to exceed 30 days. When a bicycle is impounded by the Police Department pursuant to this section, the owner of said item impounded may, within two days, request a hearing on the impoundment which shall be heard by the Chief of Police or his designee. Said hearing shall be conducted within two days following a request, weekends and holidays excluded. The person holding the hearing may uphold, overturn or modify the term of impoundment. Following the hearing, the Chief of Police or his designee shall render a decision and notify the owner by letter within two days.