Institute a pocket-bike ban
Rep. Brad L. Dee, R-Ogden, wants them off public property, which would include streets, highways, paths and sidewalks. He has introduced HB159, which would also prohibit anyone under 8 years old from operating a minibike and prohibit drivers from taking any passengers on the bikes. The legislation also addresses "souping up" minimotorcycles, pocket bikes and motor scooters.
The statewide ban on pocket bikes on public property would expand bans imposed by cities and at least one county in recent months. The thinking behind the bans has been that low-profile vehicles are a growing hazard to riders and other motorists. They are difficult to see on roadways and most lack safety devices such as brakes on both tires, lights, horns or mirrors. Riders can travel up to 40 mph or faster with their feet about 6 inches from the road. There have been instances nationwide in which riders even those wearing helmets have been killed or seriously injured.
If history is a guide, there will be some people who decry a statewide ban as state government playing the role of nanny. Government can't save people from their bad choices, but if it can curb certain trouble in public places, it ought to, especially if the victims tend to be minors. A ban of pocket bikes on public property will limit their use to private property, where they become matters of private liability. If people elect to buy these bikes for their children, they do so at their own peril. The government, through this legislation, will have discouraged the use of these bikes as much as it possibly can. Some communities have gone so far as to ban the sales of pocket bikes, period.
Dee's bill doesn't go that far. But it would go a long way toward relieving riders and other drivers of the potential of horrific but preventable traffic accidents.
Comments
- Attempted murder case refiled 1:58 a.m.
- Sports on the air 1:38 a.m.
- This weekend on TV 1:38 a.m.
- Birthdays for Saturday, July 11 1:38 a.m.
- 2 men cited on LDS plaza 1:37 a.m.
- S.L. man spots stolen car — his 1:23 a.m.
- Girl critical after run-in with train 1:23 a.m.
- Probe of death treated as slaying 1:22 a.m.
- Taylorsville man arrested in robbery 1:21 a.m.
- HBO defends U. logo use in 'Love' 1:20 a.m.
- Jazz brass debate Millsap match
- LDS seminary principal arrested
- 2 men cited on LDS plaza
- Reactions on Boozer speculation
- Teacher faces new sex charges
- HBO defends U. logo use in 'Love'
- Jazz finances not quite so bleak
- Jazz talking Boozer trade?
- Jazz down Oklahoma City
- Twitter lets fans communicate, interact
- LDS seminary principal arrested
160 - Bronco collecting a galaxy of recruits
141 - Jazz talking Boozer trade?
136 - Blazers may offer Millsap a contract
123 - Jazz brass debate Millsap match
99 - Stadium of Fire flag burning was fake
94 - Fairness of BCS debated
81 - Chaffetz eyes challenging Bennett
74 - Letters: Single-payer system best
72 - Services bids farewell to Jackson
70
By now you've probably read about the investigation that showed just how...
Sen. Scott Jenkins was name-checked by Jay Leno Monday night during his...
I love Millsap, and the Jazz will find a way to move Boozer and match for...
i think its childish to assume that somebody would actually want to get...
Millsap and Boozer need to stay in Utah. Millsap is Boozers backup while he...
Childish and immature? Its always easier being ignorant and presuming things...
can you use words like testimony and church leadership to critisize a...
Bro P really helped me through a tough time in my life when I had him in...
These are only allegations at present, but I hope when he goes to trial, the...
My thoughts are with the Pratt family right now. Michael I hope you are...
It is interesting that everyone who seems to be a member comments on how nice...
You presume, simply because they were gay, that they were trying to "stir...



You can be the first to comment on this story.