The Arizona Republic, 2-26-05
EL MIRAGE AZ - Ride 'em if you got 'em because it won't be
long before the young and young at heart will be prohibited from riding
motorized play vehicles in public areas in El Mirage.
And that moment can't come soon enough for many residents exasperated by the safety hazard they say those types of toys create.
"I'm glad the rule is there, but I'm not optimistic that anything will be done," said Sheila Asala of El Mirage. "It's so frustrating. . . . At least we're taking a stand."
And that moment can't come soon enough for many residents exasperated by the safety hazard they say those types of toys create.
"I'm glad the rule is there, but I'm not optimistic that anything will be done," said Sheila Asala of El Mirage. "It's so frustrating. . . . At least we're taking a stand."
Following in Phoenix's footsteps, El Mirage council members
took the first step Thursday toward banning motorized play vehicles. On the
chopping block are vehicles that travel faster than 5 mph or are a noise
nuisance, such as Go-peds and "pocket bikes."
City officials approved the first reading of the proposed ban. If the second reading of the ordinance, set for March 10, also gets a nod, the measure becomes law.
Phoenix banned the motor-powered toys in December. Other cities, including Glendale and Scottsdale, are hosting a series of public meetings to gauge public input on similar bans.
"It's so disappointing," said Robert Ballance Jr., 31, of El Mirage. "It takes the fun stuff we buy for our kids away, and it's all the stuff that we wanted when we were kids.
"There's no lights in the parks, nothing for the kids to do. They're stealing cars, smoking . . . beating up each other. Give them some place to ride them."
He said the children on his block ride their scooters safely and that more people supporting their use would have shown up had there been more public notice.
City officials said they publicized the meetings on Channel 11 and notified homeowner associations in the community. "I felt that we made enough effort to get the word out," Councilwoman Kathy White said.
City officials had already postponed a Jan. 27 vote to ban the play vehicles because the public had not been given enough notice.
Because an "emergency" clause is not attached to the ordinance, residents who disagree with the council's decision have the right to try to put the matter to a public vote through a referendum.
For information on referendums, call the El Mirage City Clerk's Office at (623) 876-2944 or (623) 876-2952.
* Reach the reporter at monica.dunsmoor@arizonarepublic.com or (602) 444-6925.
City officials approved the first reading of the proposed ban. If the second reading of the ordinance, set for March 10, also gets a nod, the measure becomes law.
Phoenix banned the motor-powered toys in December. Other cities, including Glendale and Scottsdale, are hosting a series of public meetings to gauge public input on similar bans.
"It's so disappointing," said Robert Ballance Jr., 31, of El Mirage. "It takes the fun stuff we buy for our kids away, and it's all the stuff that we wanted when we were kids.
"There's no lights in the parks, nothing for the kids to do. They're stealing cars, smoking . . . beating up each other. Give them some place to ride them."
He said the children on his block ride their scooters safely and that more people supporting their use would have shown up had there been more public notice.
City officials said they publicized the meetings on Channel 11 and notified homeowner associations in the community. "I felt that we made enough effort to get the word out," Councilwoman Kathy White said.
City officials had already postponed a Jan. 27 vote to ban the play vehicles because the public had not been given enough notice.
Because an "emergency" clause is not attached to the ordinance, residents who disagree with the council's decision have the right to try to put the matter to a public vote through a referendum.
For information on referendums, call the El Mirage City Clerk's Office at (623) 876-2944 or (623) 876-2952.
* Reach the reporter at monica.dunsmoor@arizonarepublic.com or (602) 444-6925.
** Link to the original
article at:
* * * *
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