HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem B - Motor-Assist. Scooters
There are no specific timing issues associated with this item. The heaviest period of motor-assisted
scooter use will be the drier months of summer and fall. (The manufacturer' s instructions with many
motor-assisted scooters specifically state that they should only be ridden on dry pavement.) Discussion
needs to occur with University of Oregon and Lane Community College students who make up a
significant user group for motor-assisted scooters. Work on this issue can continue during inclement
weather which should provide ample time to schedule a public hearing after students are back in school.
RELATED CITY POLICIES
The City of Eugene Park and Open Space Rules address noise and noisy equipment as well as the
operation of bicycles and motor vehicles in parks. The Park and Open Space Rules provide examples of
segregating types of use of public paths such as prohibiting bicycles from pedestrian-only paths and of
the prohibition of motorized vehicles from use on pedestrian/bicycle paths in designated parks.
The Eugene TransPlan includes policies designed to "direct the development and implementation of
actions that encourage the use of modes other than single-occupant vehicles to meet daily travel needs."
In addition, many other City of Eugene planning documents discuss the need to encourage alternative
modes of transportation.
Two City Council goals which directly relate to this issue are:
· "Sustainable Community Development - A community that retains a high quality of life and a
healthy economy, effectively links land use and transportation planning, and successfully
manages growth and change in the urban environment."
· "Healthy Natural And Built Environment - A community that conserves and enhances the natural
environment and provides an attractive and healthy place to live."
The 30 miles of Eugene's bicycle/pedestrian trails include the East Bank Trail which is located entirely
within the Willamette River Greenway. The Willamette River Greenway is designated by Oregon
Statewide Planning Goal 15 to protect, conserve, enhance and maintain the natural, scenic, historical,
agricultural, economic and recreational qualities of lands along the Willamette River. Similarly, other
pedestrian/bicycle trails travel through protected wetlands and areas of public open space which are
designated by various local, state and national planning goals for protection and conservation.
COUNCIL OPTIONS
Prior to the June 14 City Council work session, the City received approximately thirty calls registering
complaints about the noise and the use of motor-assisted scooters on bicycle/pedestrian paths. Since the
June 14 work session and the publicity that the session received, the City has continued to receive a high
number of public contacts on this issue. To date, approximately 56 complaints and five supporting
letters, phone calls and emails have been received in Public Works and the Police Department. An
example of public input from both a pro motor-assisted scooter use viewpoint and an anti-use viewpoint
have been included as Attachment A to summarize public comments received on this issue.
A brief questionnaire was developed to standardize the record of public comments about the use of
motor-assisted scooters in Eugene. On three occasions in August, people using the bicycle paths were
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asked to complete the questionnaire. Of the approximately 95 questionnaires completed, 47 percent
were strongly opposed to motorized use on the paths; 37 percent believed that there could be mixed use
on paths for electric scooters if some additional regulations were developed and 7 percent had no
objection to the use of bicycle/pedestrian paths by motor-assisted scooters. Seven questionnaires were
completed by people who identified themselves as "scooter users".
On August 12, the City held a community workshop to discuss the possibility of regulating motor-
assisted scooters. The workshop was attended by approximately 72 people. Seventy-nine percent of the
people at the workshop were bicycle and pedestrian users of the paths. The opinions of these individuals
ranged from 32 people being completely opposed to any use of motorized transportation devices on the
paths to 12 who believed that with some constraints, electric motor-assisted scooters would be tolerable.
These people felt strongly that compromises must resolve issues of noise and pollution. Approximately
15 people who attended the workshop were scooter users and of this group, most used scooters for
recreation and for commuting, several of whom indicating that they chose electric scooters as a viable
non-polluting alternative to cars. Attachment B contains the results of the public input received at the
August 12 community workshop regarding motor-assisted scooter use on bicycle/pedestrian paths.
Based upon City Council direction and public input, the following three options have been drafted for
the council's consideration. The three options can be implemented separately, in combination with each
other, or the council may chose to take no action on any of these options.
Option 1 - Bans motorized transportation devices from all city owned off-street paths.
No motorized transportation device may be operated on any City-owned, off-street bicycle or pedestrian
path or trail, unless exempt.
"Motorized transportation device" means any vehicle that is not propelled exclusively by human power,
including but not limited to, an electric-assisted bicycle (when not being operated by human propulsion),
an electric personal assistive mobility device, a moped, a motor-assisted scooter, a motor vehicle, a
motorcycle, a motorized skateboard, or any similar vehicle that operates without human propulsion.
A motorized transportation device is exempt from this provision if it is used as a mobility aid by a
person with a mobility impairment, used by a person with express permission from the City, or used by a
City employee or agent in the course of City business.
Rationale: With the help of energetic bicycling advocates and a supportive City Council,
bicycling has become a permanent part of the Eugene lifestyle. An award-winning system of
bikeways in Eugene includes 30 miles of off-street paths, 89 miles of on-street bicycle lanes, and
5 bicycle/pedestrian bridges spanning the Willamette River. Eugene's bikeways connect to
Springfield's bicycle system and to bikeways in metropolitan Lane County. Bikeways are used
by pedestrians of all ages and walks of life. There is a passionate commitment in Eugene by the
users of the bicycle paths to maintaining this system for non-motorized travel. These large and
vocal groups of advocates have strongly indicated that they do not want to see any motorized
transportation devices used on the pathways except for wheelchairs and mobility devices used by
people with disabilities.
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The term "motorized transportation device" is being used to encompass all forms of non-human
propelled vehicles. Prohibiting all "motorized transportation devices" on all City-owned off-
street paths and trails, instead of limiting the prohibition to only motor-assisted scooters, will
facilitate consistent enforcement of motorized vehicle use on City-owned off-street paths and
trails and reduce the likelihood that the council will need to revise the code as motorized scooter
technology changes.
Option 2 - Prohibits use of motorized transportation devices in a manner that disturbs the peace.
No person shall operate a motorized transportation device in a manner causing excessive, unnecessary,
or offense noise which disturbs the peace and quiet of any neighborhood or which causes discomfort or
annoyance to a reasonable person of normal sensitivity.
"Motorized transportation device" means any vehicle that is not propelled exclusively by human power,
including but not limited to, an electric-assisted bicycle (when not being operated by human propulsion),
an electric personal assistive mobility device, a moped, a motor-assisted scooter, a motor vehicle, a
motorcycle, a motorized skateboard, any similar vehicle that operates without human propulsion.
Rationale: When all public comment was reviewed, the outstanding issues were noise and fear
of safety due to excessive speeds. When asked about their concerns, many people indicated that
they thought the electric scooters were tolerable, the combustion engine scooters were those that
were identified as loud, operated at speeds that were too fast and were especially obnoxious. At
the June 14 City Council work session, several councilors expressed their desire that a future
ordinance focus on regulating the use of the motor-assisted scooter, not attempting to
differentiate between the type of motor (electric or combustion.) The police department also
strongly recommends that regulation is focused upon inappropriate use, not differentiating
between the type or model of the device. New modifications to motorized transportation devices
are being released for sale continuously, thus creating a situation where keeping pace with each
modification would require extensive time and resources to ensure enforcement. The prohibition
against noise-making using the standard of"a reasonable person of normal sensitivities" is
already established in Eugene Code 4.080 Noise Disturbance - Prohibited.
Option 3 - Requires merchants to make certain disclosures related to the sale of motor-assisted
scooters.
It is unlawful for a merchant to sell a motor-assisted scooter without making the following disclosures: A) Motor-assisted scooters cannot be operated at a speed greater than 15 mph.
B) You must be 16 years of age to operate a motor-assisted scooter.
C) Anyone operating a motor-assisted scooter must wear protective headgear.
D) Motor-assisted scooters are prohibited on sidewalks.
E) Motor-assisted scooters can only be operated on streets with speed limits of 25 mph or less or in
a bicycle lane.
F) Motor-assisted scooters are prohibited on all city park paths or on all city-owned, off-street
bicycle and pedestrian paths or trails.
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A merchant who sells motor-assisted scooters must post, in a prominent place at each location where
motor-assisted scooters are on display, a notice setting forth the above-listed restrictions on motor-
assisted scooter use and must provide a copy of such notice to each purchaser of a motor-assisted
scooter, either before or in connection with the purchase.
"Motor-assisted scooter" means a vehicle that is designed to be operated on the ground with not more
than three wheels; has handlebars and a foot support or a seat for the operator's use; can be propelled by
motor or human propulsion; is equipped with a power source that is incapable of propelling the vehicle
at a speed of greater than 24 miles per hour on level ground; and has a combustion engine power source
with a piston or rotor displacement of 35 cubic centimeters or less regardless of the number of chambers
in the power source or an electric power source that has a power output of not more than 1,000 watts.
Rationale: Merchants in Eugene have been supportive of the flyers which have been provided to
them by the Public Works Department. Most merchants have willingly displayed these flyers,
often making copies at their own expense. An inexpensive factual message about pertinent laws
and regulations should not negatively affect businesses and is an important educational tool for
consumers. Education for users, including parents helps to promote a safer community where
people can make responsible decisions. Attachment C is the flyer developed by the City of
Eugene Public Works Department and currently in use.
CITY MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
The City Manager recommends that the City Council consider combining all three options to address
community concerns about the use of motorized transportation devices on the bicycle/pedestrian paths
and in residential neighborhoods.
SUGGESTED MOTION
Move to direct the City Manager to draft an ordinance to ban motorized transportation devices from all
city-owned, off-street paths, prohibit the use of such devices in a manner that disturbs the peace and
requires Eugene merchants to make certain disclosures related to the sale of motor-assisted scooters.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Examples of Letters
B. Intercept Questionnaire
C. Motor-assisted Scooter Flyer
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Staff Contact: Sergeant Derel Schulz, Traffic Enforcement Unit
Linda Phelps, Police Planner
Telephone: 682-5157, (Sgt. Schulz); 682-6308, (Phelps)
Staff E-Mail: derel.v, schulz~ci.eugene.or.us or linda.m.phelps~ci.eugene.or.us
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ATTACHMENT A
August 16, 2004
Dear Eugene City Council and Staff:
I have to work on the night of the public forum but I am writing as a regular user
of the City's bike paths. I just called them "bike paths," but, of course, we
Eugeneans use them also for running, walking, skateboarding, roller-blading and
pushing strollers. This multi-use sharing is not always easy but I think, on the
whole, we do all right.
Throwing motorized devices into the mix has caused contention, however. This
is an issue about which good and reasonable people may disagree. And they
do. The Council is now in a position to write some kind of ordinance to deal with
the matter. Whatever you decide will leave some people unhappy but I think you
would agree that you want an ordinance that is clear and that will hold up over
time. It's also true that the sooner you act on this the fewer people will be
inconvenienced because of the changes.
It is my own strong belief that the paths are for non-motorized transportation and
recreation.
I have heard it proposed that a distinction be made between gas and electric-
powered devices. However I think the Council would regret passing such an
ordinance and find itself soon having to haul it back in for revision. If they haven't
already, manufacturers will soon come out with electric machines just as fast as
those with internal combustion engines. If the Council tries to head this off by
crafting a complex ordinance permitting certain speeds, horsepower, or wattage,
I'm afraid the law will prove largely unenforceable. I don't think we can
realistically expect the police to patrol the paths with radar guns or chase people
down to try to determine the size of their engines. It won't happen.
Some proponents of the motorized scooters have pointed out how much more
pleasant it is to use the paths than to fight traffic in the streets. Yes! But that
won't be true if the character of the paths is changed. Given our culture's relative
wealth, fascination with power toys, attraction to speed, and aversion to physical
effort, I can easily foresee the day when our recreational paths become miniature
freeways for motor bikes and scooters. I don't believe this is what the City
planners envisioned when they designed and built this exemplary system.
Already I have seen parents scramble to get their kids off the paths at the sight of
approaching motor scooters.
Other motorized path users have asked, "Would you rather have me driving a
gas-guzzling SUV?" This is clearly a false choice, though, as there are many
other alternatives to the SUV, including fuel-efficient cars, street-legal motor
bikes, and bicycles.
Citizens with physical limitations have a right to enjoy the recreational paths and
any ordinance should - must! - allow for motorized devices designed for this
purpose. (Casual observation will tell you that most current users of motor bikes
and scooters do not fall into this category, and, in fact, tend to be from the most
physically robust age group.) I am sure that, if necessary, advocates for equal
access can help the Council word an ordinance that will meet the needs of those
who may require motorized mobility.
In short, I think the simplest ordinance is also the most correct one. Such an
ordinance would draw the line cleanly between motorized and non-motorized use
of the paths, with the one exception noted above.
Thank you for your attention.
Eugene, OR 97402
ATTACHMENT B
SUMMARY OF PUBLIC COMMENTS
USE OF MOTOR-ASSISTED SCOOTERS
ON EUGENE'S BICYCLE PATHS
July - August 2004
MOTOR-ASSISTED SCOOTER WORKSHOP
August 12, 2004
Scooter Users -- Group Summary IN=
1. What is your age
[14 ] 30 and up
2. How/why do you use Eugene's paths:
[ 5 ] commuting (for work)
[14] recreation
[ 10] get away from cars
[14] no alternative on streets
Additional Comments:
[4] can't afford a car and insurance
[2] is more accessible for me than a car
[4] bus route to where I need to go is a minimum of 2 hours each way
[13] wouldn't use if there were other ways to get places, need more bike lanes
3. Frequency of path use:
[5] daily
[5] twice weekly
- weekly
- twice a month
- monthly
[3] less frequently
4. Where else do you ride your scooter:
[14] streets
[ 12] sidewalks (only when there isn't any other alternative)
[ 14] parking lots (as part of destination, not just for fun in a parking lot)
5. Is your scooter:
[5] gas powered
[7] electric powered
6. Size of your engine:
ELECTRIC :[3] 35cc; [1] 48 cc COMBUSTION: [7] upto 700watts
7. If your scooter is gas powered, what caused you to choose gas over electric
power:
[0] less expensive
[4] more power for hills (and to carry the 250# adults)
[4] better range
-- faster
-- its cool, electric ones aren't
[ 1 } was the model I wanted, had what I needed & good muffler so it isn't loud
[3] more reliable than electric
WHY ELECTRIC OVER GAS?
[10] non-polluting
[2] easy to charge overnight, no going to gas station
[2] good transportation and its fun
[1] saves me 3,000 miles on my car in a year
[5] no parking hassles, no fees and fines, no insurance or registration =
affordable
8. If the City Council were to ban scooters from paths, what kind of problems
would that create for your scooter trips?
· I couldn't use my scooter to go to work because there aren't alternative routes
available within the law. (speed limit restrictions and paths)
· I would still use, I'd take the ticket over risking my safety by sticking totally to
streets.
· We have to have access to the path because otherwise safety is a huge issue and I
can't get where I need to go.
· No problem because I'll still ride where I need to, it isn't fair to eliminate my
choice of transportation.
· This would cause a lot of trouble for a lot of people. You just can't get
everywhere, even if you walk part of the time - especially areas by West 11th and
Ferry St. bridge/Coburg Rd.
· Banning them would cause me to have to choose to break rules or not ride at all.
I don't have a car.
· My street Scooter is the only vehicle I own and I use with a trailer to haul my
instruments because I'm a musician. Without scooter on paths I can't get to
'gig' s, get my groceries, etc.
· I can't commute to work ifI can't use the Ferry St. bridge.
9. What suggestions do you have for the City Council for dealing with the concern
that motor assisted scooters aren't desired by some on paths?
· Regulate the bicycles that don't follow rules. We need respect and give and take,
and scooter users should have rights too.
· Bikes don't follow rules, shouldn't laws work for everyone?
· Increase the engine size
· Noise is one of the biggest issues, not the scooter. Let's work on the noise
problems instead of just eliminating scooters. Everyone complains about leaf
blowers but you didn't ban them.
· Set a standard for noise and deal with this through that approach.
· We already have a noise ordinance. ENFORCE IT!
· Require mufflers on gas scooters
· Explore separating the problems between the gas and electric scooters. Don't toss
out every scooter if the aspects of the gas scooters are the problem (noise, speed,
and possible pollution)
· Without registration system it is hard to single out the offenders if you are the
person being offended .... How can we address this to weed out the few who are
causing so many problems. (especially late at night users of paths near residential
homes.)
· Add more designated and legal spaces that scooters can ride.
· We need MORE bike lanes to make more routes to get around town. Don't
eliminate something, look at this as making room for all. Everyone gains that
way.
· Let electric use park paths and keep gas off
· W. 11th bike path isn't well-used and there is no other alternative, let us use that
route and/or designate some less used paths that are important for routes through
town.
· We need to facilitate alternative modes of transportation, don't lose sight of that
· Share public resources, no resources are just for an elite group of users who
believe only they have the right to use.
· We could develop dual purpose sidewalks that help in some commute areas (look
at this for Ferry St. Bridge/Coburg Rd area and W. 11th)
· Bike paths are ENJOYED by scooter users, too. Not everyone rides too fast,
some of us like to see the river, listen to the water and enjoy the atmosphere.
· This is an important economic issue for many people. The bike paths shouldn't
only be for people with money and resources -
· Don't take away our rights because of a few 'bad apples'.
· Common courtesy, sharing will make this work. When skates, roller-blades and
other users started using the bike paths it wasn't smooth - it took time to work
things out. Give us the time to work things out in positive way rather than just
eliminating us without trying.
· More people will be look at this transportation choice because of affordability
(especially as gas prices rise.) Plan for the future!
· Safety is all about speed and courtesy. Have a lower speed limit for everyone on
paths (BIKES TOO!), have fast and slow lane and paint a stripe like some cities
do.
Pedestrians and Bicyclists Users -- Group Summary N = 57
1. How/why do you use Eugene's paths
[25] Commute
[54] Recreation
[49] Exercise
[44] Avoid motor vehicles
[48] Be closer to nature
2. Frequency of path use:
[33] Daily
[12] twice a week
[ 6] weekly
[ 11 ] twice a month
3. How do you feel about motor assisted scooters using paths?
[ 2] They don't bother me
[12] With some constraints, electric okay, gas not
[ 8] No problem with electric, but no gas
[32] No scooters should be on paths
4. If you don't care for motor assisted scooters on paths, what concerns you
about them?
SAFETY!
· Feel threatened, of others and users
· Concern extends to street use also
· Reckless use
· Speed (capability and habits of use)
· Teenagers reckless
· Injured walker feels threatened by scooters, feels it is unsafe for him to walk now
on paths
· Getting hit by irresponsible use (also applies to bicycles!)
NOISE
· Noise! Impacts on peace and quiet which is why paths are used [x3]
· Even on Streets noise is an issue
· Mufflers can be removed to increase noise
POLLUTION
· Pollution [x3]
· Pollution and smoke is HEALTH issue (esp. for users ~ high aerobic activity)
· 2 stroke engines
SIGNAGE
· Post signs because some ignore them [x2]
SPEED
· Restrictors can be removed
· Too much Speed and not much different than bikes [x2]
· Small children weigh less and are able to go faster than adults
· Speeds - if they can go fast, they will
ENFORCEMENT
· Difficult to enforce use [x2]
· Fear of law enforcement
· Enforcing speed not practical, is difficult [x2]
· Existing rules aren't enforced
· Enforce more, including errant cyclists
· Children younger than 16 do use the scooters regardless of the law
· No number or identification, hard to identify who is the problem
PURPOSE OF PATHS
· Purpose of bike paths is PEOPLE POWERED ONLY & recreation/children
· Deters from use of path, eliminates sanctuary
· Paths are a privilege, should be for non-motorized only
· Compromises the reason for having the bicycle/pedestrian paths
· Paths should encourage low-impact uses
· Disincentive to use bikes on path and families spending time together on paths
· This is adding to an already complicated mix of modes (bicycles, walkers, kids,
adults, dog users, etc.
· We need to preserve efforts of community build riverbank trails (Ruth Bascom)
· Need to PRESERVE THE INTENT of paths
GENERAL
· Size smaller than bikes
· Negative impact on wildlife
· Behavior is also issue, prime issue for some
· Bike paths are a tourist attraction and should be protected
· Misinformation from dealers or manufacturers
· Will drive pedestrians and cyclists off paths
· Could be another step toward allowing bus on Autzen bridge, or opening to other
vehicle uses
· Erodes quality of life
· Health problem - lack of exercise for users of scooters
· INSURANCE - Liability, what happens if no insurance is required. Why are they
exempted from financial responsibility by state law, this is a problem!
· Degrades quality of experience decreases use of path, less care and maintenance
of systems will occur
· Other new recreational uses (i.e. skateboards, rollerblades) were on 'equal
footing' integrated easily, scooters are NOT
· Are heavier than bikes, more risk, more liability
· Accident statistics available
· Don't wait until accidents happen
5. What suggestions do you have for the City Council for dealing with the
concern that motor assisted scooters aren't desired by some on paths?
BANS
· Ban all gas powered scooters (on all paths and streets)
· Ban all scooters on paths and gas from streets
· Ban all MAS (gas & elec.) on all bike paths to protect the integrity of path [x12]
· Ban all scooters
· Ban sale of scooters
LIMITS ON USE
· Limited use of electric MAS on paths [x5]
· Exception to cross river could be made
SIGNAGE
· Post signs for walk MAS only in parks
· Need signs at restricted areas (gas or any kind of motorized use)
· MORE Signage
LICENSE OR REGISTRATION
· Need to be Licensed and insured if they aren't banned
· License MAS and use money for enforcement
· Require information at dealer with signature of buyer, fines on seller
ENFORCEMENT
· Increase money for enforcement
· Improve or use noise ordinance [x12]
· Have stiff penalties with confiscation as option
· Designate all bike paths as parks
· Call paths "low impact corridor"
· Speed limits
· Florida confiscates unlicensed scooters
· Lenient laws support proliferation -send a clear message with strict regulations
· Coordinate with Springfield and Willamalane, (i.e. relative to Whilamut natural
area)
Emails and letters from people who couldn't come to the workshop:
I was unfortunately unable to attend the forum last night, but I wish to register my strong
opposition to the use of any sort of motorized vehicles on any bicycle paths or on any city
sidewalks -- with exceptions, of course, for people with disabilities.
Such vehicles are noisy, polluting, way too fast, frequently operated in a careless and
cavalier manner, and very, very dangerous for bicyclists and pedestrians, particularly the
very young and the elderly. They are, as my granddaughter says, icky. Their use should
be strictly limited and regulated. I have lived in Eugene for almost 35 years and know
that the bike paths promoted by Ruth Bascom and others many years ago were never
meant to be used for purposes such as this. To do so is to break faith with the taxpayers
who paid for the construction of these paths. There is more to life than increasing its
speed. It might sound un-American to say it, but faster is not necessarily better. Let's
keep our reputation nationally as a bicycle-friendly city. The users of these motorized
monstrosities should be sent to re-education camps and, perhaps, not allowed to
procreate. I'm kidding in that last sentence - but not by much. Thank you for
considering my opinions.
Jerome Garger 1644 Rosy Turn Eugene 97404
Sent: Wednesday, August 11, 2004 21:51
To: carolyn.l.delf~ci.eugene.or.us
Subject: (no subject)
I am unable to attend the meeting on the 12th for input on the motorized scooters. So next
best I guess is complain to you. I walk every day and have been run off the sidewalk (to
the bike lane)by motor scooters and bicycles. I have found it is just easier to walk in the
street or on the bike lane. This is the sidewalk along Delta Hwy.,Ayres Road and Gillam
Road.
Thank you, Peggy Yoakum
Kanchan Deshpande phone, 8/11/04
Use paths for exercise everyday now that I'm retired. I believe that there should be NO
scooters on paths. This is a safety problem and a noise problem. I'm uncertain about the
level of pollution from them. Safety is very important, but if they are allowed we need
much better signage with rules and better enforcement. Walking and bicycling are the
reasons the paths were built - The scooter use will change the whole purpose and
ambience of the paths if they are allowed.
J.B.Hickerson, 3645 Colony Oaks Dr., Eugene (Letter brought to Workshop, 8/12)
I ride my electric bicycle on Fern Ridge Trail almost every day. Fern Ridge Trail
provides me a safe way to commute downtown from my home in the Churchill area.
While you consider new regulations to reduce the noise of gas powered scooters, I ask
that you not ban electric bicycles, scooters and wheelchairs from Eugene's trails. My
electric bike will not go over 15 mph and I am frequently passed by bicycle riders going
much faster than I. I don't know of an electric bike, scooter or wheelchair that can
exceed the 15 mph SPEED LIMIT ON THE TRAILS. The electric bikes, scooters and
wheelchairs do not make the racket a gas engine does. In fact, most of the time I peddle
my bicycle and it is as quiet as a non-motorized bicycle.
While I would like to see restrictions on the noise and pollution of gas powered scooters I
would ask you not to restrict electric bicycles, scooters and wheelchairs access to
Eugene's trails.
Leslie Brunk, (Letter brought to workshop, 8/12)
My name is Leslie Brunk. I am a 68 year old man that has had 20 operations since 1980.
Sixteen of them were for cancer, four of them were for my left leg and ankle, at the
present time ! am seeing two different doctors for my legs. ! cannot walk from Third St
to 6th Street without getting a swelling in my leg, ankle and foot, this includes pain, my
leg bellow my knee has only one bone left and the other bone due to gangrene. ! live on
social security and the amount of that money is below minimum wage and that is just
above $800 / month. In other words ! am poor. Well folks ! need a 3 or 4 wheel scooter
to get around but ! cannot afford $4,000 to $6,000. For a scooter that a 'cripple' would
use if they had it.
As it is in order for me to get around town without having to wait for a lousy bus, that
would take me two hours to get from point a to point and back again in the rain and cold,
! use my little electric scooter. My electric scooter only cost $170 and it gets me to the
doctor's office, the drug store, the grocery store and to church.
! do not ask for much, but ! do ask to be allowed to continue to use my scooter as a
responsible person would. ! say this to you ladies and gentlemen, there are only a few
people out there that abuse the right of using a scooter. ! say this: punish them, but do
not hold the 'cripples' and responsible people responsible for what few 'ignorant' people
do Thank you.
! oppose the use of gas powered scooters on the wonderful Eugene bike paths. Speed
limits will not help...they are often ignored
and the offenders are moving too fast to catch.
Thank you,
Tim Blood
2420 E.43rd Ave.
Eugene, Or.
Tim Blood (e43tim) [e43tim~yahoo.com]
Aug. 9th letter mailed to City because he couldn't attend the meeting:
City Council or ?
You know no other vehicle which makes the nose those do on Hawthorne St. through
Sorgenfri would be allowed. And the speed is wide open. They should not be on any
trail used by bikes and peds. Sixty-five years ago ! used to get notice from the cops
because my model 'T" was a bit noisy.
Mr. Ernest Kersgaard
3335 Hawthorne Avenue
Eugene, OR 97402
Greetings,...If it's not too late, I would like to protest the recent appearance of motorized
scooters and other vehicles on the bike paths of Eugene. ! use the pathways to run and
walk with my partner several times a week, and we are always startled when we hear the
flatulent sound of a motorized contraption of some kind or the other coming at us and
flying by us. These vehicles simply don't belong on our cherished bike paths, and ! doubt
it will be long before someone gets run down by one. Motorized wheelchairs are another
story...no problem here. Please register my displeasure at the new invasion of our sacred
river space with new-fangled noisemakers on the fly.
Cordially,.
Dave Ulrich and Ann Johnson
3986 North Shasta Loop
Eugene 97405
..... Original Message .....
From: Micah Brown
Sent: Wednesday, August 18, 2004 12:15
To: carolyn.l.delf~ci.eugene.or.us
Subject: Electric Assisted Bicycle in City Parks...
Dear Officer Delf,
! own a electric assisted bicycle. ! use this to commute between my house in
Springfield through Alton Baker park across the Autzen Foot bridge to my office in the
River Front Research Park.
As far as ! understand, my bicycle meets all of the ORS requirements for an
"Electric Assisted Bicycle". It has working pedals, under electric power its speed is
limited to less than 20 mph.., actually much less more like 12 mph. ! follow all the rules
of normal bicycles.
Is it legal for me to continue this commute? Has there been any change to the
park rules? Will the proposed changes even effect electric assisted bicycles, or only
addressing scooters?
! really just want to be sure that ! am following all of the laws. ! believe ! am
doing everything correctly, but ! occasionally get an individual who tells me to get off the
path (never anyone official, usually another bicyclist). Most people respond quite
positive to my presence.
Any help you can give me would be useful. Thanks in advance!
Sincerely,
Micah Brown
Motor-assisted Scooters Motor-assisted Scooters
Know the law! Know the law!
Rider must be at least 16 years old and must wear a
helmet
Must not be ridden faster than 15 m.p.h.
£an be ridden on streets with speed limits of 25 or
less, or in bicycle lanes Rider must Rider must be
wear helmet 16 or older
C:AKINOT be ridden on sidewalks
C:^NNOT be ridden on paths in parks Not allowed
on the
Must use lights at night sidewalk!
In general, observe rules o£the road £or bicycles
For more detailed in£ormation, see the Oregon Revised
Statutes, chapters 801, 803, 807, 811, 814, and 815. The
website £or these statutes is www.leg.state.or, us/ors. See
also the City's administrative rules governing parks. Rules
for personal assistive mobility devices (one model is called
the Segway) become law January 1, 2004. Their rules are
slightly di~Cerent from motor-assisted scooters.
White
headlight Red reflector
at night light at night
For more imCormation:
Bicycle t~ Pedestrian Coordinator On streets with
Public Works Department bike lanes
City of Eugene or 25 mph speeds
(541) 682-5471 or less