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Residents urge action as Oswego board moves to study motorized-scooter rules
Summary
Residents told the Village Board that motorized bikes and scooters are speeding on sidewalks and shared paths, especially near older neighborhoods. Trustees directed staff to prepare an ordinance discussion for the Committee of the Whole on Nov. 4.
Several residents told the Village Board on Oct. 7 that motorized bikes and scooters are creating a public-safety problem on sidewalks and local paths, and trustees said staff will bring the issue forward for formal discussion.
"We see the motorized vehicles all over the bike paths, all over the roads, driven by anywhere from 10 year olds to 14 or 15," said Al Gegenheimer during public comment, describing riders traveling "extremely fast" near a 55-and-older community. Gegenheimer said he asked police about enforcement and was told there is no ordinance that specifically prohibits the conduct in the village.
Sam Figola, speaking for his homeowners association, urged a coordinated response that includes written guidance for residents and an education effort to complement enforcement. "The HOA board gets calls and they call us before they call the police department," Figola said, asking the village to replicate guidance used in nearby Plainfield and Aurora.
Tom Kabotsky recounted a near miss between an electric motorcycle and his large dog and said an enforceable ordinance would act as a deterrent. "We shouldn't have to be worried about whether we're walking ... having these vehicles basically come upon us and scare us," he said.
Trustees and staff responded that the topic is timely. A trustee said staff plans to bring an item for discussion at the Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. on Nov. 4. The board did not adopt an ordinance at the meeting; direction was limited to having staff draft options for consideration.
Why it matters: Officials said the village lacks an enforceable local regulation specific to these motorized vehicles, and residents described safety risks for older pedestrians, children and users of shared paths. The coming Committee of the Whole discussion will be the next public opportunity for detailed debate and for staff to present draft code language or enforcement options.
What’s next: Staff will bring ordinance options and educational approaches to the Nov. 4 Committee of the Whole meeting; trustees asked staff to coordinate with community groups and consider examples from neighboring towns.
