January 4, 2010

Calif. law now allows bikes to be sold without seats

Given all that the California Legislature has on its plate this year it seems amazing that such a niche piece of legislation would make it through. But I guess small focused bills can make it through as their is no opposition. So for those of you making bikes with no seats (like the BMX market) you now have a green light to sell them in California. Not so sure about the 49 other states.


BILL NUMBER: SB 527 CHAPTERED
BILL TEXT

CHAPTER 594
FILED WITH SECRETARY OF STATE OCTOBER 11, 2009
APPROVED BY GOVERNOR OCTOBER 11, 2009
PASSED THE SENATE MAY 18, 2009
PASSED THE ASSEMBLY AUGUST 31, 2009
AMENDED IN SENATE MAY 6, 2009

INTRODUCED BY Senator Kehoe

FEBRUARY 27, 2009

An act to amend Section 21204 of the Vehicle Code, relating to
bicycles.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST

SB 527, Kehoe. Bicycles.
Existing law prohibits a person from operating a bicycle on a
highway if that person is riding other than upon or astride a
permanent and regular seat attached to the bicycle.
This bill would prohibit a person from operating a bicycle on a
highway if that person is riding other than upon or astride a
permanent and regular seat attached to the bicycle, unless the
bicycle was designed by the manufacturer to be ridden without a seat.

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. Section 21204 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read:
21204. (a) A person operating a bicycle upon a highway shall not
ride other than upon or astride a permanent and regular seat
attached thereto, unless the bicycle was designed by the manufacturer
to be ridden without a seat.
(b) An operator shall not allow a person riding as a passenger,
and a person shall not ride as a passenger, on a bicycle upon a
highway other than upon or astride a separate seat attached thereto.
If the passenger is four years of age or younger, or weighs 40 pounds
or less, the seat shall have adequate provision for retaining the
passenger in place and for protecting the passenger from the moving
parts of the bicycle.


Law Offices of Steven W. Hansen | www.swhlaw.com | 562 866 6228
© Copyright 1996-2008 Conditions of Use