§ 10.32.010. Definitions.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this ordinance, shall have the meanings attributed to them in this section:

1.

"Dirt bike" means a two-wheeled motorized recreational vehicle designed to travel over unimproved terrain and not designed for travel on a highway, as defined in Section 14-1 of the Connecticut General Statutes. "Dirt bike" does not include an all-terrain vehicle, as defined in Section 14-379 of the General Statutes, or a motor-driven cycle, as defined in Section 14-1 of the General Statutes.

2.

"Snowmobile" means any self-propelled vehicle designed for travel on snow or ice, except vehicles propelled by sail.

3.

"All-terrain vehicle" means a self-propelled vehicle designed to travel over unimproved terrain that has been determined by the commissioner of motor vehicles to be unsuitable for operation on the public highways and is not eligible for registration under Chapter 246 of the Connecticut General Statutes.

4.

"Operate" means (1) to control the course of or otherwise use a dirt bike, snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle, motor-driven cycle, mini-cycle, or similar vehicle; or (2) being in possession of a dirt bike, snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle, motor-driven vehicle, mini-cycle or similar vehicle on any street or sidewalk in the city of Bridgeport or on any public property, including but not limited to school property, playgrounds and parks, within the city of Bridgeport, or on any private property, within the city of Bridgeport, without first obtaining the written permission of the property owner if the property is not owned by the operator, passenger, and/or owner of the motorized recreational vehicle, if such dirt bike, snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle, motor-driven vehicle, mini-cycle or similar vehicle is capable of being set in motion by the motive power of the vehicle.

5.

"Motor-driven cycle" means any motorcycle, motor scooter, or bicycle with an attached motor, with a seat height of not less than twenty-six (26) inches, and a motor having a capacity of less than fifty (50) cubic centimeters piston displacement.

6.

"Mini cycle" means pocketbikes, miniature (hereafter "mini") bikes, mini cycles, mini sport bikes, mini motorcycles, chopper scooters, and any other similar wheeled vehicle designed to transport one or more persons that is powered by any type of motor.

7.

The terms "dirt bike," "snowmobile," "all-terrain vehicle," "motor-driven cycle," and "mini-cycle" shall not be deemed to include any of the following:

a.

Any registered "motorcycle" as defined in the C.G.S. § 14-1(46); any registered "motor vehicle" as defined in C.G.S. § 14-1(47);

b.

Any moped that meets Federal Department of Transportation guidelines for use on streets and is approved by the state of Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles for use on streets, provided, however, the moped is operated pursuant to all applicable state laws, rules, and regulations and all other city of Bridgeport ordinances;

c.

Any wheelchair or similar mobility assisting device utilized by a person with a physical disability or whose ambulatory mobility has been impaired due to age or physical ailment;

d.

Any self-propelled snow plow, snow blower or lawn mower when used for the purpose for which it was designed and operated at a speed not to exceed four miles per hour;

e.

Any vehicle owned or leased by the city of Bridgeport;

f.

Any vehicle that is used solely for amusement, or as a novelty display item, and is operated during a parade or any other special event that is properly permitted and approved by the city of Bridgeport shall be excluded from this article; and

g.

Any electric personal assistive mobility device (hereinafter "EPAMD") that is self-balancing, has two non-tandem wheeled devices, is designed to transport only one person, and has an electric propulsion system that limits the maximum speed of the device to twelve and one-half (12½) miles per hour or less.

For the purposes of Sections 10.32.020 and 10.32.030 of this ordinance, the terms "dirt bike," "snowmobile," "all-terrain vehicle," "motor-driven cycle," and "mini cycle" as defined in this section, shall be collectively referred to as "motorized recreational vehicle(s)."

(Ord. dated 5/18/15 )