Council Changes Gears on Quadricycle Ordinance

The discussion on the topic of quadricycles continued in Lakewood City Council’s public safety committee meeting on Monday.

But the idea to ban the vehicles outright may be a moot point.

That’s because, on Monday, Gov. John Kasich signed a measure into law that — among other things — changes the state language to include three- and four-wheeled bicycles into the definition of a bicycle.

Council’s public safety committee is now looking to examine the definition and include a few safety measures into the city ordinance, “regardless of the number of wheels.” 

One of those safety measures would require riders of quadricycles to ride single-file on the street. Riding on the sidewalk would be prohibited. There are other proposed changes — think width restrictions and safety lights. 

The discussion of banning quadricycles is no long under consideration by the committee.

“At least in this committee, it doesn’t appear to be a palatable conversation,” said Kevin Butler, the city’s law director. “At this point, the idea is to expand the definition and make sure that the new definition works within the code.”

Judge Patrick Carroll has already ruled that Dominic Latessa’s four-wheeled, non-motorized “Rhoades Car” isn’t a toy.

It doesn’t fall under the classification of a horse-and-buggy or a tractor, either.

Latessa, a Lakewood resident, was cited for pedaling his “quadricycle” down Madison Avenue last September, before Carroll tossed out the case last year. 

Bicycling attorney Steven Magas released a statement advocating the new Ohio law.

“The new definition clearly includes Vinnie Latessa's quadricycle, and a wide array of other unique human powered devices being marketed today,” he said in the statement. “Accordingly, I would urge Lakewood to not take any steps that will become contrary to Ohio law.” 

The public safety committee is expected to discuss the measure further at its next meeting.