A new ordinance that takes effect Friday will force people off their bicycles, scooters and skateboard while on downtown Longmont sidewalks.
The dismount rule applies to the sidewalks along Main Street. Bicyclists, as well as those on scooters and skateboards, must walk their wheels on sidewalks between Second and Longs Peak avenues on the east side of Main and between Third and Longs Peak avenues on the west side.
Cyclists are encouraged to ride their bikes in the alleys, breezeways, avenues and on adjacent low-traffic streets, the city states on a webpage dedicated to the ordinance.
City council this summer voted unanimously for the ordinance after Bicycle Longmont asked the city to reconfigure the boundaries of the proposed dismount zone. City staff members said the ordinance includes a maximum $300 fine for failing to dismount, but a warning will be issued to first-time violators.
Wheelchairs and other specialized motorized units needed by any physically disabled person will be exempt from penalties, according to city staff.
Longmont currently has a voluntary dismount zone along Main Street between Third and Sixth avenues.
The Longmont Downtown Development Authority pressed for a mandatory dismount zone to help downtown foot traffic, city officials said.
Longmont Public Safety Deputy Chief Jeff Satur said he hopes people become aware of the new ordinance before they take to their bikes downtown on Friday or beyond.
Enforcement will have to be prioritized with all the other enforcement responsibilities around Longmont, Satur said in an email. “But if someone is hit by a bicyclist, skateboard or scooter … they could expect some sort of intervention by our staff through a warning or summons,” he said.
The idea behind the ordinance is to improve pedestrian safety along Main Street, Satur said.
“A lot of people, including children, use the downtown area, and this should have a positive impact on everyone’s safety and enjoyment of the area,” he said.
