*** No Scooters Allowed on Sunnyside Streets ***

SUNNYSIDE, WASHINGTON — 08/11/2004
Youths looking for a fast and cheap mode of
transportation can scratch one option: motorized scooters.

The City Council approved an emergency ordinance
Monday night that bans the scooters in downtown
Sunnyside and on streets with speed limits above 25 mph.

In addition, scooter drivers are required to wear helmets,
obey traffic laws, be at least 16 years old and drive solo.
And the ordinance mandates that scooters be equipped
with a brake, muffler, light and reflectors.

The new rules, which took effect Tuesday, are based on similar
restrictions enforced by other cities such as Yakima, Sunnyside
City Manager Bob Stockwell said.

However, unlike in Yakima, scooter-riders in Sunnyside
do not have to possess a valid driver's license.

Violation of the new rules is a misdemeanor and carries a fine
of up to $250, which exceeds the purchase price of many
motorized scooters. In some cases the scooter may be impounded.

Stockwell said the push to regulate scooters started in
May as a response to residents' concerns about safety issues.

"We are observing a lot of violations. They have absolutely no
protection, and when they do push it too far it will be a tragedy,"
he said.

The ordinance defines motorized scooters as devices with wheels
that are 12 inches in diameter or smaller, steered by handlebars
and powered by an internal-combustion or electric motor.

City officials plan to enlist school-resource officers to help
spread the word about the new rules when students head
back to school in two weeks.

Geneb...Wenatchee,Washington-USA
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