I’ve been reading on the Peoria Pundit‘s and Polly Peoria‘s blogs about how the city can’t find a way to pony up the money to reopen Fire Station 11. But just because the city can’t do anything about longer response times to fires, don’t think they aren’t concerned about public safety.

They’re taking very seriously the safety threat of that demon of the sidewalks: the motorized scooter. That’s right, scooters are terrorizing the highways and byways of Peoria, and they need to be stopped. Fear not! The city council will be taking action tomorrow night:

AGENDA DATE REQUESTED: October 18, 2005

ACTION REQUESTED: Adopt the attached Ordinance Amending Chapter 28 of the Code of the City of Peoria Relating to Motorized Scooters

BACKGROUND: Motorized scooters, both with internal combustion engines and electric motors, have come to increasing use since 2002. Arguably, they are toy vehicles which are prohibited from using City streets per Section 28-11 of the City Code. Arguably, they are motor vehicles which require a license to be operated on City streets . The Illinois Secretary of State has consistently taken the position that these types of vehicles are not entitled to be licensed by the Secretary of State. Both of the above Sections would pertain only to the prohibition of these motorized scooters on City streets . It is our understanding that there is also an objection by citizens to the use of these vehicles on City sidewalks and other City property. In as much as these motorized scooters did not exist at the time that the above-referenced ordinances were written, it is felt that the best way to approach this problem is to have an ordinance specifically prohibited the use of motorized scooters
not only on City streets, but also on City sidewalks and other City-owned property including, but not limited to parking lots.

In addition, in order to aid enforcement we have provided for impoundment of motorized scooters in violation of this ordinance . They may be returned after 24 hours and payment of a $50 fee, which fee shall be returned to the individual should they be found not guilty of violating the ordinance.

FINANCIAL IMPACT: N/A

NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: Neighbors have complained to Police concerning the use of these scooters .

IMPACT IF APPROVED : Use of motorized scooters would be prohibited.

IMPACT IF DENIED: Use of motorized scooters would be legal.

ALTERNATIVES: N/A

Well, I feel safer already, don’t you? I can sleep peacefully tonight knowing that the motor scooter pandemic is finally being addressed. With big, important issues like this on their plate, I can see why city staff would have little time to devote to finding funding for fire protection.