Leet officials propose prohibiting most recreational vehicles on township property

Leet officials hope a new law will prevent unnecessary injuries, as well as liability issues and damage to township property.

The township commissioners voted 4-0-1 on May 12 to advertise an ordinance prohibiting gas-powered, electric or manually-powered recreational vehicles on township property. Commissioner Rody Nash abstained.

Recreational vehicles include scooters, skateboards, roller skates, roller blades, bicycles, hoverboards, self-balancing personal transporters and “any other similar device not specifically designated or intended for regular roadway travel,” the ordinance states.

However, bicycles are allowed on designated bike paths and multi-use trails.

Those who violate the ordinance will receive a written warning the first time.

The second offense is a $50 fine, followed by $150 for the third violation. A fourth violation would result in a fine between $500 and $1,000.

Exceptions to the proposed legislation include mobility assistance devices for people with disabilities, authorized township personnel or contractors doing township work, participants in township-approved events or activities involving the use of such recreational vehicles.

Township Solicitor Stephen Chesney said Leet has not had any such regulations before, but an unfortunate incident sparked the need for the ordinance.

Police Chief Brian Jameson said a 9-year-old boy was riding an electric motorbike at the township building along Ambridge Avenue after business hours sometime in April.

The young resident reportedly attempted to do a jump at a bump by the main entrance and fell off, hitting his head, the chief said. The boy was taken to a hospital for treatment.

“We want to prevent any future liability,” Chesney said. “When they’re in the parking lot riding a recreational vehicle like a toy, it presents a danger that is a little bit unnecessary, especially if there’s any cars coming in. It can be avoided.”

Chesney also referenced the township’s efforts to install pickleball courts and resurface other playing areas in its parks.

“Vehicles like that can end up tearing up the surface,” he said.

Commissioners’ President Marty McDaniel agreed.

“Some of the kids ride their bikes to Plum Street Park,” McDaniel said. “There’s a road that goes down there and they can park their bikes and play basketball, or whatever.

”They shouldn’t be riding these things through the grass or anything. Certain places aren’t meant to be playgrounds or skateboard parks. There’s certain places you can do that.

“If we had a bad sidewalk or something like a pothole, someone’s going to hit that. We don’t want anybody to get hurt.”

The police chief said the ordinance is designed to encourage “supervised fun” and protect property.

The proposed ordinance is available for review at the township office. It is expected to be formally adopted on June 9.