[Archived] Alexandria City Council Adopts Regulations for Pocket Bikes

City Press Release


	For Immediate Release	For More Information, Contact
	June 27, 2005 PIO# 202-05/jps	Barbara J. Gordon, Public Information Officer, or Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300 Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300

Alexandria City Council Adopts Regulations for Pocket Bikes

To improve the safety of pedestrians, motorists, and pocket bike riders, the Alexandria City Council approved an ordinance on June 21 to regulate the use of pocket bikes, the popular small motorcycles. The regulations apply in public places and on private property that is open to the public. Some of these small bikes, which are difficult to see in crowds or traffic, can attain speeds in excess of 45 mph, and are not toys.

Under the ordinance, as under Virginia’s motor vehicle laws, pocket bikes with an engine displacement of 50 cubic centimeters or less, and a top speed of less than 30 mph, are regulated as mopeds. Bikes with bigger engines, or a higher top speed, are regulated as motorcycles.

The ordinance provides that neither mopeds nor motorcycles can be operated on public or private sidewalks or other pedestrian areas (including sidewalks in parking lots), or in public or private parks, except on a street or road within the park.

Pursuant to the ordinance, mopeds can be operated on public or private streets or in parking lots only by a person 16 years of age or older, and no faster than 30 mph. The operator does not need a Virginia license, but moped operators must obey the rules of the road, like other drivers. In addition, moped operators must carry some form of personal identification that includes the person’s name, address, and date of birth.

Motorcycles can be operated on public or private streets or in parking lots only by a person who has a valid motorcycle operator’s permit from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), and if the motorcycle has a DMV-issued license plate and complies with all the safety and equipment requirements for traditional motorcycles. Motorcycle operators are subject to the same rules of the road as other drivers.

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