05/29/2026
IMPORTANT SAFETY MESSAGE: MICROMOBILITY (SCOOTERS), BICYCLE & E-BIKE USE IN INDEPENDENCE
We have recently seen an increase in micromobility device use (scooters), along with bicycles and e-bikes. While it is great to see our residents out and active, there have been reports of unsafe operation, especially involving excessive speed, riding in restricted areas, and failure to follow traffic laws. We have a particular concern for younger riders who may not be watching for vehicles or fully understanding the rules of the road and sidewalks, as well as the risk of pedestrians unexpectedly entering their path.
For safety purposes, micromobility devices are expected to follow the same rules as bicycles under City ordinance.
The Independence Police Department will be monitoring activity and addressing violations through education and enforcement as needed.
Know the Rules of the Road (Applies to Micromobility Devices, Bikes & E-Bikes)
76.03 TRAFFIC CODE APPLIES; SIGNALS FOR BICYCLE AND SCOOTER OPERATORS.
Every person riding a bicycle or micromobility device upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle by the laws of the State declaring rules of the road applicable to vehicles or by the Traffic Code of the City applicable to the driver of a vehicle, except as to those provisions that by their nature can have no application. Whenever such person dismounts from a bicycle or micromobility device, the person shall be subject to all regulations applicable to pedestrians.
- Operators must follow the same traffic laws as motor vehicles, including stop signs and yielding right-of-way.
76.05 TWO ABREAST LIMIT.
Persons riding bicycles or micromobility devices upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles or micromobility devices. All bicycles or micromobility devices ridden on the roadway shall be kept to the right and shall be operated as near as practicable to the right-hand edge of the roadway.
- No more than two abreast on roadways.
- Stay as far to the right as practicable.
76.06 SPEED.
No person shall operate a bicycle or micromobility device at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions then existing.
- Operate at a speed that is reasonable and safe for conditions.
76.09 RIDING ON SIDEWALKS.
The following provisions apply to riding bicycles or micromobility devices on sidewalks:
1. Business District. No person shall ride a bicycle or micromobility device upon a sidewalk within the Business District, as defined in Section 60.02(1) of this Code of Ordinances.
2. Other Locations. When signs are erected on any sidewalk, trail, or roadway prohibiting the riding of bicycles or micromobility device thereon by any person, no person shall disobey the signs.
3. Yield Right-of-Way. Whenever any person is riding a bicycle or micromobility device upon a sidewalk or trail, such person shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give audible signal before overtaking and passing.
- No riding in the business district.
- Where allowed: Yield to pedestrians and give an audible warning before passing.
76.07 EMERGING FROM ALLEY OR DRIVEWAY.
The operator of a bicycle or micromobility device emerging from an alley, driveway, trail or building shall, upon approaching a sidewalk or the sidewalk area extending across any alleyway, yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians approaching on said sidewalk or sidewalk area, and upon entering the roadway shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles approaching on said roadway.
- Always yield when crossing sidewalks, alleys, and driveways.
76.11 IMPROPER RIDING.
No person shall ride a bicycle or micromobility device in an irregular or reckless manner such as zigzagging, stunting, speeding, or otherwise so as to disregard the safety of the operator or others.
- Reckless operation is prohibited.
- No zigzagging, stunts, or unsafe speeds.
76.04 DOUBLE RIDING RESTRICTED.
A person propelling a bicycle shall not ride other than astride a permanent and regular seat attached thereto. No bicycle or micromobility device shall be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed and equipped.
- Micromobility devices and bicycles are designed for one rider unless built otherwise.
76.08 CARRYING ARTICLES.
No person operating a bicycle or micromobility device shall carry any package, bundle or article that prevents the rider from keeping at least one hand upon the bicycles or micromobility devices intended handlebars.
- Always keep at least one hand on the handlebars.
76.10 TOWING.
It is unlawful for any person riding a bicycle or micromobility device to be towed or to tow any other vehicle upon the streets or trails of the City unless the vehicle is manufactured for such use.
- Towing is not allowed unless equipment is designed for it.
76.13 EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS.
Every person riding a bicycle or micromobility device shall be responsible for providing and using equipment as provided herein:
1. Lamps Required. Every bicycle or micromobility device when in use at nighttime shall be equipped with a lamp on the front emitting a white light visible from a distance of at least 300 feet to the front and with a lamp on the rear exhibiting a red light visible from a distance of 300 feet to the rear, except that a red reflector on the rear, of a type that is visible from all distances from 50 feet to 300 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle, may be used in lieu of a rear light.
2. Brakes Required. Every bicycle or micromobility device shall be equipped with a brake that will enable the operator to make the braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement.
- Night riding requires a white front light and a red rear light or reflector.
- Equipment must be in working condition.
76.14 SPECIAL PENALTY.
Any person violating the provisions of this chapter may, in lieu of the scheduled fine or standard penalty provided for violations of this Code of Ordinances, allow the person's bicycle or micromobility device to be impounded by the City for not less than five days for the first offense, 10 days for a second offense and 30 days for a third offense.
- Violations may result in fines or impoundment.
Micromobility-Specific Reminders (Scooters)
- Watch your speed. These devices accelerate quickly. Slow down in town and near pedestrians.
- Stay off restricted sidewalks, especially in business areas.
- Be predictable. Sudden turns and weaving create hazards.
- You are harder to hear. Extra awareness is needed around vehicles and pedestrians.
A Note for Parents
Many recent concerns involve younger riders. Please talk with your children about safe speeds, stopping at intersections, and respecting pedestrian spaces.
Let us work together to keep Independence safe for everyone.
Thank you for your cooperation!
