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ORD 1260 04/09/2019OF Cts C O TfXPs "City of Choice" ORDINANCE NO. 1260 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CIBOLO, TEXAS AMENDING CODE OF ORDINANCES CHAPTER 74 TRAFFIC AND VEHICLES, BY ADDING ARTICLE XII MOTOR ASSISTED SCOOTERS, POCKET BIKES, AND MINI -MOTORBIKES; AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO IMPLEMENT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ORDINANCE; PROVIDING FOR UNLAWFUL ACTS AND EXEMPTIONS; PROVIDING FOR A PENALTY FOR THE VIOLATION OF THIS ORDINANCE; ESTABLISHING CERTAIN FEES AND FINES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; REPEALING ANY OTHER CODE PROVISIONS, ORDINANES, OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES, AND OTHER PROVISIONS IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; INCORPORATING RECITALS; AND ADOPTING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Cibolo, Texas desires to amend Municipal Code of Ordinances Chapter 74 Traffic and Vehicles, by adding Article X1I Motor -Assisted Scooters, Pocket Bikes, and Mini -Motorbikes in order to preserve, protect, and promote public health and safety. WHEREAS, heavy traffic on the streets in the City of Cibolo is creating a hazard threatening the health, safety, and welfare of motorists and pedestrians; and WHEREAS, the City of Cibolo has exclusive control and power over the streets, alleys, and public grounds and highways of the City pursuant to Transportation Code §311.001; and WHEREAS, the regulation and control of traffic is necessary for the health, safety and quality of life of the citizens of the City; and WHEREAS, the establishment of regulations for motor -assisted scooters, pocket bikes, and mini -motorbikes is necessary to protect the general public; and WHEREAS, in accordance with Section 551.352 (b) of the Texas Transportation Code, the City Council has determined that the operation of motor -assisted scooters, pocket bikes, and mini -motorbikes on any sidewalk, street, or highway within the City limits shall be prohibited in the interest of safety. Page 1 of 3 WHEREAS, it is necessary for the City to adopt requirement s and regulations which will enable the officers and employees of the City to respond in a manner consistent with State law; and WHEREAS, the rules, regulations and requirements established by ordinance may not be inconsistent with State law; and WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that it is in the best interest of the City to regulate traffic within the City in accordance with State law. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CIBOLO, TEXAS THAT: SECTION ONE. AMENDMENT. Municipal Code of Ordinances Chapter 74 Traffic and Vehicles is amended by adding Article XII Motor -Assisted Scooters, Pocket Bikes, and Mini - Motorbikes and shall read as follows: Sec. 74-395. - DEFINITIONS For purposes of this section, the term Electric Vehicle shall mean the following: (1) Motor -Assisted Scooter means a self-propelled device with at least two wheels in contact with the ground during operation; a braking system capable of stopping the device under typical operating conditions; a gas or electric motor not exceeding 40 cubic centimeters; a deck designed to allow a person to stand or sit while operating the device; and the ability to be propelled by human power alone. (2) Pocket bike or Mini -motorbike means a self-propelled vehicle that is equipped with an electric motor or internal combustion engine having a piston displacement of less than 50 cubic centimeters, is designed to propel itself with not more than two wheels in contact with the ground, has a seat or saddle for the use of the operator, is not designed for use on a highway, and is ineligible for a certificate of title under Chapter 501 of the Transportation Code. The term does not include: a. a moped or motorcycle; b, an electric bicycle or motor -driven cycle, as defined by Section 541.201; C. a motorized mobility device, as defined by Section 542.009 d. an electric personal assistive mobility device, as defined by Section 551.201; e, a neighborhood electric vehicle, as defined by Section 551.301 (3) Sec. 74-395(1) and (2) also include dock -less scooters or dock -less vehicles; that are provided by persons or companies as rental units for compensation for use by a rider or consumer of services. See. 74-396. — OPERATION ON ROADWAYS AND SIDEWALKS PROHIBITED Page 2 of 3 (1) It shall be unlawful to operate a motor -assisted scooter, pocket bike, or mini -motorbike on any sidewalk, street, or highway within the City limits when provided by a person or company for compensation. (2) Privately owned vehicles of these types shall be exempt from this ordinance. Sec. 74-397. — CONFLICTS To the extent that any part of this section conflicts with Transportation Code Chapter 551, the Transportation Code shall apply to the extent of such conflict. See. 74-398. — PENALTY Any person, firm, association, delegation or group who violates any provision of this article shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished according to the general penalties described in Section 1-13. Each day any violation continues to exist shall constitute a separate offense SECTION TWO. SEVERABILITY. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or illegal, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining sections of this Ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed this Ordinance, and each section, subsection, clause, or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, or phrases be declared void. SECTION THREE. FINDINGS. The City Council finds all of the above recitals to be true and correct and incorporates the same in this Ordinance as findings of fact. SECTION FOUR. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall be effective immediately upon publication of notice as required by law. PASSED AND APPROVED this `l day of Air-:! 2019. ATTEST: CITYY SECRETA ,/ Peggy Cimics MAYOR P VED AS TO FORM: Fra rza CIT AT ORNEY Page 3 of 3