Questionable: Do bikes need to be registered?
Updated Wednesday, 5/2 – Each week we answer questions our readers have asked. What do you really want to know? Drop us a line; maybe we can help.
“Does the city require licenses for bicycles? State law says they must obey the same laws as motor vehicles, so it’s logical that licenses must be required, yet I don’t ever seen any bikes with them?”
– Mike, Rhinelander
The Star Journal asked Rhinelander Police Chief Mike Steffes. Steffes responded with the statute reading of this law:
“No person shall ride or use a bicycle upon any public street, highway, alley or sidewalk in the city unless the bicycle shall have been registered and tagged as provided in this section. A bicycle is defined as any device propelled by human power upon which any person may ride, having two tandem wheels.
“Registration shall be made by filing with the Rhinelander Police Department the name and physical home address of the owner, a complete description of the bicycle, including manufacturer, style, serial number and color, on forms provided by the city and payment of an original registration fee of an amount listed in the City of Rhinelander Schedule of Fees. Other information may be requested as necessary. Registration shall be permanent as long as the bicycle is owned by the same person. Registration shall be serially numbered, kept in duplicate and on file as a public record of the city.
“Upon such registration, the city shall issue an identification tag (sticker) to be affixed to the registered bicycle. Such tag shall be affixed and kept affixed by the owner to the frame portion of the seat post of the bicycle for which such tag is issued. The owner shall keep the tag visible and clean at all times. Newly acquired bicycles and new residents shall register bicycles within seven days of residency or acquisition at the registration fee referenced above.”
Editor’s note: Send in your questions to [email protected], or mail them to the Star Journal, 24 W. Rives St., P.O.?Box 558 Rhinelander, WI?54501.
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