North Carolina § 20-171 - 1. Definitions.

§ 20-171. 1. Definitions.

As used in this Part, except where the context clearly requires otherwise, the words and expressions defined in this section shall be held to have the meanings here given to them: Bicycle. - A nonmotorized vehicle with two or three wheels tandem, a steering handle, one or two saddle seats, and pedals by which the vehicle is propelled, or an electric assisted bicycle, as defined in G.S. 20-4.01 (7a). History (1977, c. 1123, s. 1; 2016-90, s. 13(c).) Editor's Note. - Session Laws 2015-45, ss. 1-4, provides: "Section 1. Study. - The Department of Transportation shall study the bicycle safety laws in this State. The study shall focus on what statutory revisions, if any, are needed to better ensure the safety of bicyclists and motorists. In doing so, the Department shall consider at least all of the following: "(1) How faster-moving vehicles may safely overtake bicycles on roadways where sight distance may be inhibited. "(2) Whether bicyclists on a roadway should be required to ride single file or allowed to ride two or more abreast. "(3) Whether bicyclists should be required to carry a form of identification. (4) Any other issues determined relevant by the Department. "Section 2. Working Group. - In conducting the study required by this act, the Department shall convene a working group of interested parties knowledgeable and interested in the bicycle safety laws of this State. The working group shall include all of the following: "(1) A law enforcement officer. "(2) A representative from the bicycling industry. "(3) A representative from the agricultural industry. "(4) A representative from the trucking industry. "(5) A representative from county government, who may be a county law enforcement officer. "(6) A representative from municipal government, who may be a municipal law enforcement officer. "(7) A representative from the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center. "(8) A minimum of two staff representatives from the Department. "(9) Any other expert or stakeholder the Department or working group determines may assist the Department in completing the study required by this act. "The Department shall designate the members listed in subdivisions (1) through (8) of this section, and the working group shall subsequently select a chair and designate the remaining members of the working group authorized under subdivision (9) of this section. In designating additional members, the working group shall ensure that membership composition includes representation of different operator and geographical perspectives. "Section 3. Maximum Number of Working Group Members. - The total number of members of the working group convened under Section 2 of this act shall not exceed 12 members. "Section 4. Report and Recommendations. - The Department shall report its findings and recommendations, including any legislative proposals, to the Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee on or before December 31, 2015." Session Laws 2016-90, s. 13(j), made the amendment to this section by Session Laws 2016-90, s. 13(c), applicable to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2016. Effect of Amendments. - Session Laws 2016-90, s. 13(c), effective December 1, 2016, added "propelled, or an electric assisted bicycle, as defined in G.S. 20-4.01 (7a)" at the end of the second paragraph. See editor's note for applicability.