Our friend Todd Scott tipped us off to an opportunity for the youth that come to our shop. So if you are one of our youth participants or a family member of, please consider the following information.
Coming up (date TBA), Detroit City Council will be considering some ordinances that effect youth riding bicycles within the city. It is possible that a recommendation will be made to council to keep these ordinances. If you would like to speak in front of City Council regarding these ordinances, get in contact with us at Back Alley Bikes. The ordinances being considered make our youth ride club illegal.
What are these ordinances? Well if you are 17 years old or younger, check these out.
Sec. 55-9-14. Operation of bicycles—Persons under twelve years of age.
No person under the age of twelve (12) years shall operate a bicycle upon any street, highway or alley of the city; provided, that such person under twelve (12) years of age may operate a bicycle on the sidewalks of the city.
(Code 1964, § 10-1-8)
Cross reference— Minors generally, Ch. 33.
If you are under 12 years old and participated in our Youth Ride Club last year, rode with the Eastside Riders, rode with your family, or just rode AT ALL in the street…you broke the law.
I’m sure many people would argue that there should be a minimum age before youth may enter the street riding a bicycle. That is a point worth debating, however I would add to that conversation that we (as a society) don’t have a formal way to teach youth to ride in the street. Perhaps that should be something taught in schools? We do it with cars…
Moving on.
Sec. 55-9-15. Same—Persons twelve to seventeen years of age.
Any person over the age of twelve (12) years and under the age of seventeen (17) years may operate a bicycle upon the streets, highways and alleys of the city; provided, that such person has in his possession the written consent of the parent or guardian to do so.
(Code 1964, § 10-1-9)
Cross reference— Minors generally, Ch. 33.
Since our Youth Ride Club requires a signed permission slip, we might have this one covered depending on how the law is feeling that day. Also, it appears that if you aren’t male – this law doesn’t apply to you?
In contrast to the previous ordinance, does anyone want to argue that teenagers aren’t ready to ride in the street? Sure, teenagers drive cars with a permit, but is that really required of a bicycle? We have a bunch of highschools with bike racks installed outside of them. This ordinance works to keep those racks empty.
Sec. 55-9-16. Same—Police to notify parents of violations.
If there is any violation of sections 55-9-14 and 55-9-15, the police department shall notify the parent or guardian of the violation, giving the details of the violation, and shall recommend the confiscation of the bicycle by the parent or guardian for a period of not more than six (6) months.
(Code 1964, § 10-1-10)
So it sounds like the police can’t confiscate bicycles from youth but are required to tell parents and guardians to do so.
So if you are 17 or younger and have feelings on these ordinances, let us know because it would be great for the council to hear from those that this law effects. Whether you are for or against these ordinances, the council needs to hear from you.
Again – these ordinances make our Youth Ride Club illegal. So you can imagine what our position on this is. Streets aren’t safe or complete unless they are accessible to all, including those that are 17 years old and younger. But, the question is what is your stance?
Please get in contact with us if you are interest in speaking in front of council. If you are nervous, we’ll get someone to go with you. The day that council will be discussing this is stuff to be determined but is expected soon.
email – jason @ thehubofdetroit.orgphone – 313.879.5630