Friday, Apr. 15, 2005

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Brown looking to ban pocket bikes

By JOHN MUNFORD
jmunford@TheCitizenNews.com

Worried that the new mini-motorcycles called "pocket bikes" are about to have an impact in Peachtree City, Mayor Steve Brown said Wednesday he intends to have them banned from the city entirely.

Pocket bikes, which can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour, are not allowed on the city's path system, which only allows for golf carts and other non-mechanical transport such as regular bikes, rollerblades, skateboards, and others.

"No one may operate a motorized scooter, mini-bike, moped or motorized bike upon the multi-use paths," Brown said. "Most pocket bikes are not manufactured to comply with the laws that allow them to be used on public streets or off-highway sites that are open to the public."

The bikes, which typically sell from $300 to $600, are so small they can be difficult for other motorists to see, officials said. Consumer Reports, a magazine noted for its detailed evaluations of products including safety considerations, has called the mini-motorcycle a "bad bet" due to its small size, ineffective brakes and lack of safety features, officials noted.

Anyone caught driving a mini-motorcycle on the cart path system could be cited or arrested, depending on the conditions surrounding the incident, officials said. Riding them on a public street is also forbidden, and doing so could result in the driver being issued a citation, officials said.

City officials also warn that any parent who allows their child to operate any vehicle, including a mini-motorbike, could possibly be issued a citation.

"I strongly urge our parents to think twice before purchasing a pocket bike as they are incredibly dangerous and not allowed in most public areas," Brown said.