The potential hazards affiliated with the operation of mopeds and small motorized vehicles caused Mount Vernon District Supervisor Gerald "Gerry" Hyland to request that the matter be considered for inclusion in the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors' legislative package.
"We've had a lot of complaints, particularly in the Hollin Hill area. People have complained about both the safety of these vehicles and the noise they create," Hyland said.
"Things have to be done to make them safer for both the operators and others on the road. The police can't be out there all the time to make sure they are being operated safely," he said.
"The question is what do you do to control them? What are the procedures?" Hyland said.
To gain some answers to those questions he requested the board to consider a resolution for action and "direct staff to bring back a recommendation on whether to include it in the legislative package for the next session of the General Assembly."
Hyland said, "The chairman of the Public Safety Committee for the Mount Vernon Council of Citizens' Associations brought this resolution on this issue, previously passed by the MVCCA, to my attention." It deals with small motorized vehicles [SMV] including but not limited to scooters, bicycles, and skateboards.
The resolution requests the General Assembly to modify the Virginia Code to:
1. Define SMV such that it is clear what vehicles are included;
2. Require drivers to be at least 12 years of age to operate SMV's off private property ;
3. Require that when operated on public rights-of-way by persons without a Virginia driver's license, they shall be operated only on streets with speed limits 25 mph or less;
4. Prohibit SMV's from public sidewalks;
5. SMV's to operate only during daylight hours unless equipped with proper lighting;
6. No passengers are to be carried on SMV's when operated on public streets;
7. When operating a SMV driver and passenger must wear appropriate safety helmets approved by DMV;
8. Require DMV to develop and issue appropriate guidance, including the need for permits or licenses, and develop safe operating instructions;
9. Establish appropriate maximum noise levels for SMV's;
10. Waive the above requirements for SMV's designed for use by persons with disabilities.