Item 4K
M E M O R A N D U M
October 13, 2015
TO:
Shana Yelverton, City Manager
FROM:
James Brandon, Chief of Police
SUBJECT:
Item 4K: Approve Revision of Ordinance 735-A(First Reading)
Action Requested
: City Council approval on first reading of a revision to City
Ordinance 735-A, which regulates the ages in which children
must wear a helmet while operating a bicycle.
Background
Information:
Current City Ordinance requires that children under the age
of 15 must wear a helmet while operating a bicycle or riding
in a side car, trailer, carrier, seat, or other device attached to
a bicycle.
In order to provide the safest environment possible for our
children, the ordinance revision will change the age to under
18, which coincides with many other cities in DFW. The
revision will also change the penalty that can be assessed
for a violation of this ordinance to “up to $500”, which
complies with other City code and gives the Municipal Court
Judge the necessary discretion to appropriately handle the
case. The phrase “Director of Public Safety” was also
updated to “Chief of Police”.
The Police Department will approach enforcement of this
ordinance through a dedicated communication and
education campaign in order to lower the number of children
who are susceptible to injury from not wearing a bicycle
helmet.
Financial
Considerations:
N/A
Strategic Link
: This item supports the City’s strategy through the focus area
of Safety and Security and specifically to the objective of
Achieving the Highest Standards of Safety and Security.
City of Southlake Values:
Integrity ♦ Innovation ♦ Accountability ♦ Commitment to Excellence ♦ Teamwork
Citizen Input/
Board Review
: N/A
Legal Review
: Yes
Alternatives
: Approval, denial, of suggest edits of the revision to
Ordinance 735-A.
Supporting
Documents
: Revised ordinance (red lined)
Staff
Recommendation
: City Council approval of the revision to ordinance 735-A,
which regulates the use of bicycle helmets by children.
City of Southlake Values:
Integrity ♦ Innovation ♦ Accountability ♦ Commitment to Excellence ♦ Teamwork