I live in the 5900 block of Hampton and I also have noticed an increase in the use of those little motor scooters. I, also, did not know until recently that they are illegal if driven on the city streets. I never called to report on them in the past, but since a near collision with a kid on one the other day, I now call! I initially called zone 5 to ask about it and was told absolutely to call 911 and report it each time I see (or hear) them go past my house. The bright yellow scooter is the one I most frequently see going past my house. The driver is probably about 15 years of age and never seems to observe street signs or wear a helmut. If everyone reports it to the police by calling 911 (as I was directed to by zone 5 station) then maybe we can get them off the middle of the city streets before a faltality occurs! Mary Roberge Hampton Street ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bruce Robison" <bmrobison@alum.calberkeley.org> To: "Neighborhood Highland Park" <neighborhood@highlandpark.pgh.pa.us> Sent: Friday, May 13, 2005 5:53 PM Subject: [Highland Park] Zooming Scooters
It's that season again, I guess. All of us--and perhaps especially our good friends of the Zone 5 Station--might keep an eagle eye for kids zooming around the neighborhood on these little motor scooters. Just listen for the high-pitched roar, like a lawn mower on steroids . . . .
This afternoon about 4 on Hampton near Fulton School there was a girl, maybe 12-13 years old, maybe younger, just about literally flying down the street on a bright yellow scooter, 35-40 mph, right through stop signs, no helmit, and with a lollypop in her mouth. Yesterday I saw a guy, possibly mid or late teens, on a similar scooter also at a high speed shooting along N. St. Clair in the Jackson/Wellesley vicinity.
It's scary. Last year a kid who I swear was maybe 6 or 7 came speeding down N. Euclid on one of these scooters just as I was turning from Wayne Road, and I'm frankly just amazed I didn't hit him.
Seems to me this started to pick up about 2-3 years ago--about when Pep Boys started selling these for $200-$300. I don't think it would be too risky a bet that one of these days one of these kids is going to turn a corner into a minvan and get killed, which will be just an incredible tragedy for his or her family for the one driving the other vehicle, and for all of us.
Bruce Robison N. Euclid Ave.
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