Trustees debate scooters Channahon board: Fewer restrictions on motorized vehicles?

The Herald News ^ | July 23, 2004 | Jeanne Millsap

[SpyderTim]

Trustees debate scooters

Channahon board: Fewer restrictions on motorized vehicles?

By Jeanne Millsap SPECIAL TO THE HERALD NEWS

CHANNAHON — There might be fewer restrictions on riding motorized scooters in town than previously planned come August.

Trustees this week asked the village staff to draw up revisions to a motorized play-vehicle ordinance that had originally banned use by all residents, except on private property with permission of the landowner.

With the changes, those age 16 and older would be able to ride the vehicles on village streets and sidewalks if they have a drivers license, yield to pedestrians and remember to obey the rules of the road.

Riders also would have to wear helmets at all times when riding, and only one person at a time would be allowed on the vehicles.

There still would be no riding on bike paths or on public property, such as the Village Hall parking lot, or on private property without permission. And after dusk, all scooter riding would be outlawed.

Although the proposal is not yet formally passed, trustees voted 3-2 on Monday to ask the staff to draft the revision. The vote will likely take place during the board's next monthly meeting, Aug. 2.

The ordinance includes motorized scooters, motorized skateboards, go-carts and minibikes.

Throughout June and July, several residents responded to a plea from trustees for opinions on the matter by calling or e-mailing the police department and Village Hall. Police Chief Steve Admonis said the several residents who called his department were somewhat split on the issue, but most favored a ban.

Those who were against it said it was too restrictive, he said, but they might support a partial ban with special considerations regarding age or vehicle speed.

Residents also have attended the last three board meetings to voice support for the scooter ban. At this week's meeting, three asked trustees to ban the scooters.

One was resident Pat Desiderio, who likened scooter activities in front of her house to a "circus."

Riders zip down her street from 7 a.m. until midnight, sometimes three or four at a time on each scooter, she told trustees. One was as young as 3 years old, she said, and none of them wears a helmet. They ride mini-motorcycles, too, as well as golf carts.

Trustees Debbie Militello and Scott McMillin voted against moving forward with the revision, saying they thought it was a little too restrictive. Both said they thought that children 14 or 15 years old should be able to ride scooters with parental supervision.

McMillin said a mandatory attendance at a scooter safety program also might be a good idea.

The other trustees — Judie Nash, Sam Greco and Chuck Lyons — voted for the staff to draw up the ordinance.

Admonis said tickets would be given to repeat violators. If the ordinance passes, though, he said the first thing his department would do is conduct a public education campaign to inform residents of the details of the new law.

Then, if an officer sees a violator, he would go to the parents' home and give them a copy of the ordinance and explain it to them. Parents of repeat violators would first get a "courtesy" ticket for $30 that they would pay at Village Hall. They would not be required to appear in court.

If the courtesy ticket was not paid or if the violation wasn't the first, the parent would have to appear in court, the fine would be greater, and the scooters could be confiscated.

07/23/04

[SpyderTim]

This issue is being dealt with in communities all over the US and involves issues of property rights, public safety, law enforcement, etc. Seeking your comments.

[SpyderTim]

Bump

[Lazamataz]

Is there ever ONE area of life that will not be closely regulated and monitored by our ever-growing government?

Land of the free, my left [CENSORED BY THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF PLEASANT THOUGHTS].