A proposed law in Middletown will add up to 15 days in jail as a possible penalty for riding a bicycle on a city sidewalk.
According to the proposed law’s text, since the current city code does not provide for a possible jail sentence for biking on a sidewalk, judges can’t issue warrants to arrest people when they don’t show up for court. The proposal will make riding on a sidewalk punishable by a fine of $50 to $500, up to 15 days in jail or both.
The law also states that Middletown police have been issuing more tickets for biking on sidewalks, and that, in many cases, pedestrians have been endangered and had to move out of the way quickly. Mayor Joe DeStefano said the law was prompted by problems with people biking on the sidewalk in high-traffic areas, mainly around North Street and Wickham Avenue.
The law will be forwarded to the Common Council’s Legislative Committee on Tuesday night, said City Clerk John Naumchik. From there, it will be debated before possibly being sent back to the full Council to pass.
City code exempts kids under the age of 10 riding tricycles or small bicycles.
