New Leet ordinance prohibits most 'recreational vehicles' on township property

Leet officials have enacted a new law designed to improve safety and limit liability and damage to township property.

The ordinance prohibits gas-powered, electric or manually-powered recreational “vehicles” on township property.

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

Commissioners approved it via 4-0 vote on Aug. 11. Commissioner Martin Zimmel was absent.

Commissioners voted to advertise the ordinance in May and had hoped to pass it in June. However, a vote was postponed for more discussion and to address some residents’ concerns.

Several residents raised concerns about it possibly prohibiting the aforementioned vehicles and various types of shoes with wheels on sidewalks and other public areas.

“We tried to clear up the confusion that that was not the case,” Commissioner Vice President Dan Peluso said. “It’s a good ordinance for the township.”

The ordinance was updated to include the addresses of the municipal building, fire department, public works department and Ambridge Avenue Park to help address any ambiguity.

However, the ordinance states township property also “shall mean any real property owned, leased, or controlled by Leet Township, including, but not limited to” those addresses.

Commissioners also checked with their engineering firm, LSSE, weeks ago to see if roller blades and other wheels would impact recently installed pickleball courts and related play surfaces.

Engineers said they do not anticipate any major damage from those items.

“The intent of the ordinance is not to prevent having fun,” township Solicitor Stephen Chesney said. “It’s only to reduce township liability on township property.”

Chesney earlier this year said Leet has not had any such regulations before, but an unfortunate incident outside the township office sparked the need for it.

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.

“It’s really not a playground,” Commission President Martin McDaniel said about the entrance way.

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

There are some exceptions to the rules.

Bicycles are allowed on designated bike paths and multi-use trails.

Strollers or wagons used for transporting young children are not counted as recreational vehicles. Neither are mobility devices used by persons with disabilities.

Exceptions will also be allowed for participants in township-approved events or activities involving the use of such “recreational vehicles.”

A copy of the ordinance is available for review at the township office, 194 Ambridge Ave.