Canton commissioners form task force after residents warn of dangerous scooters

Sherm Gardner, a resident who identified himself during public comment, urged the city to address electric motorcycles and scooters he said are being operated by youths who "do not know traffic laws." "They go through stop signs," Gardner said, and urged stronger enforcement or penalties for parents when appropriate.

Commissioners and other residents described similar concerns at length, saying riders sometimes travel at high speed through neighborhoods and near schools. One resident called the problem "out of control" and several speakers warned that a serious crash was likely if enforcement or policy changes were not pursued.

In response, commissioners discussed options including awareness campaigns, enforcement, and local ordinances used by nearby towns. The commission organized a citizen task force to study scooter safety and enforcement: four volunteers signed up at the meeting and commissioners said staff members Alicia and Corbin would participate as city liaisons. Commissioner comments indicated they expect the task force to return recommendations to the commission.

At the meeting a commissioner suggested contacting other towns that have already adopted ordinances and forming a small group to draft potential language or enforcement options. No ordinance was introduced or voted on at the meeting; the task force will report back to the commission with proposed next steps.

The discussion also surfaced a recurring public-safety concern: while some speakers proposed stronger penalties, others emphasized using the group to develop practical, enforceable local measures and coordination with state rules that exempt small electric motors from licensing requirements.