*** Vancouver to regulate motorized scooters ***

Vancouver, Washington -- 10/20/2004
Vancouver next month will become the second
city in Clark County to regulate motorized scooters.

The city council voted 6-0 Monday to require that riders be
at least 14 years old. The new rules also will mandate that
riders wear helmets and that scooters be equipped with lights
when used after dark.

The regulations, which take effect in 30 days, also bar
motorized scooters from sidewalks, bicycle paths and public
parks. People can continue riding on most public streets,
except for Interstate 5 and other highways, but they must use
bicycle lanes or ride near the right-hand side of the right lane.

Motorized scooter riders also will be prohibited from traveling
faster than 25 mph on any public street or from operating their
scooters in a negligent fashion, such as interfering with vehicular
or pedestrian traffic. Gas-powered scooters will need to have
mufflers, a provision intended to reduce noise complaints.

So far, the only other city in Clark County that has opted to
regulate motorized scooters is Washougal. Battle Ground and
Camas also are considering whether to pass local regulations.

Two weeks ago, the Vancouver City Council agreed to move
ahead with the new regulations. But the council delayed final
adoption until Monday to hear more testimony on setting the
minimum age for riders at 14, instead of the previously discussed
16, and on other final changes.

Two council members, Mayor Royce Pollard and Councilman
Larry Smith, said they were uneasy about allowing teenagers as
young as 14 to ride motorized scooters.

"Fourteen is not permanent for me," Pollard said.
"You have to prove to me it's OK."

Councilman Tim Leavitt said the city can tweak the
regulations in the future based on actual experience.

"I think that's the key," Pollard said. "We need to get something
going."

Several people testified Monday night for and against the regulations.

"It's a serious problem," said David Kallstrom, a perennial
council candidate who frequently comments on city issues.
"I think one of those kids is going to get hurt, sooner or later."

Others testified that riders are not limited to teenagers.

"Half of my customers are adults," said Tim Connolly,
owner of Tim's Motorsports. "They use them as viable
forms of transportation."

Rod Witt told council members that he is a 59-year-old man
with poor circulation in his legs who uses a motorized scooter
to accompany a friend on walks.

Witt said he would like to continue using his scooter on sidewalks
and bicycle paths, which he believes is safer than riding on public
streets.

"It's scary out there," he said. "I do wear a helmet,
but that won't protect me when another car crunches me."

Geneb...Wenatchee,Washington-USA
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