Heraldnet.com
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2010 1:06 am
ADVERTISEMENT

LocalNorthwestNation & WorldPoliticsSpecial ReportsPhotosColumnistsMultimedia 
Blog
The Buzz
Be mine, Valentine, just watch your feet
Your town news
Julie Muhlstein
Columnist Julie Muhlstein's take on life in Snohomish County.
•Latest: Teacher battles students’ anxiety about math
Kristi O'Harran
Columnist Kristi O'Harran writes about people in Snohomish County.
•Latest: Words ‘I love you’ a powerful gift
Latest gallery

Model Train Show
February 7. 2010 (7 photos)
[More Herald photos]
 
WEEK IN REVIEW
Tuesday
Two suspects sought in Everett shooting that in...
School levies in Snohomish County all passing, ...
Police seek witnesses in two accidents
Monday


Lynnwood woman knew area's stories long before ...
Everett rethinks boutique wineries
A tidy lawn could be law in Lynnwood
Sunday


Marysville family comes together amid devastati...
Monroe Correctional Complex to lessen security ...
Extra patrols will be watching for drunken driv...
Saturday


Olympics are in the air
Everett police officers cleared in 2008 shootin...
Edmonds woman leaves gift of millions
Friday


Budget squeeze may close beloved Trafton school
Endgame near on airport flight debate?
Aaron Reardon laments political sparring with c...
Thursday


4-car police pileup in Everett under investigation
Edmonds educator, famous announcer dies
Bill would suspend limits on tax hikes
Wednesday


Citizenship classes: All for a better life
Many Snohomish County kids haven't had second d...
Snohomish County jail thrives under sheriff's m...
 

ADVERTISEMENT

Local News   Print This Article  Email This Page  Subscribe Now! facebook digg reddit del.icio.us fark stumble

 
ADVERTISEMENT

 
CONTACT THE HERALD
Robert Frank, City Editor
frank@heraldnet.com
 
Published: Thursday, August 12, 2004

Everett restricts motor scooters

No more night driving, and stay off the sidewalks, the City Council decides.

EVERETT - Motor scooters will no longer be allowed on Everett streets at night, and also will be barred from sidewalks and many busy thoroughfares.

The Everett City Council's 6-1 approval on Wednesday of restrictions on scooters came a day after Lynnwood enacted a similar ordinance.

An early version of Everett's ordinance allowed night riding as long as reflectors were used. Councilwoman Marian Krell on Wednesday proposed an amendment to require headlights.

But Councilman Doug Campbell said any type of nighttime scooter riding is dangerous.

"They are almost invisible except for the noise," he said.

And a headlight requirement could be hard to enforce, Campbell said. "I think our police officers have enough to do than running around trying to decipher whether a scooter's lit properly," he said.

In response to resident complaints about deafening noise, the ordinance requires dealers to install mufflers on scooters. The new law bars scooters from traveling over 15 mph and prohibits them from any street with a speed limit of more than 25 mph - unless they're traveling in a bicycle lane.

Only those 16 and older will be able to ride scooters. If police confiscate a scooter ridden by anyone under 16, the parent or guardian would have to pay $50 to get it back.

Councilman Mark Olson voted against the ordinance. He argued that electric scooters, which travel a maximum of 15 mph and are not noisy, should be taken out of the new law. But Krell said those scooters can be as dangerous as the motorized ones.

The ordinance includes restrictions on mini-motorcycles, which are small motorized bikes that are low to the ground. Several council members said they want to go further and totally ban mini-motorcycles from Everett.

"They're so low to the ground as to cause a significant safety hazard for other motorists," Olson said. "The chances of not being seen by other motorists is very high."

Reporter David Olson: 425-339-3452 or dolson@heraldnet.com.

Other Advertisers
TODAY'S TOP JOBS
 View All Top Jobs 
Top Cars
Top Homes

ADVERTISEMENT