Article Contributed on: 11/5/2008 11:34:57 AM
Date: Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008
City Council encourages 'green' transportation with revised ordinance
COMMERCE CITY - In continuing efforts to promote a more "green" Commerce City, and to aid residents economically, the City Council on Monday took steps to encourage alternative transportation in the community.
Council members approved a new draft of the city ordinance governing neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) and motorized bicycles, giving residents the option to use these vehicles to get around the city.
"The City Council is sensitive to economic conditions which are putting a strain on residents," Council Member Jason McEldowney said, "and we wanted to provide some options for savings."
The redrafted ordinance also gives the city a slightly "green-er" hue, allowing use of such vehicles, which are more fuel efficient or use alternative energy sources.
"As Commerce City works to expand its trail system, enhance recycling efforts and create other opportunities for going 'green,' it just makes sense to do this," McEldowney said.
Neighborhood electric vehicles are defined by state statute as electrically powered motor vehicles that meet certain equipment standards and do not exceed speeds of 25 mph. They are motorized golf-cart-style vehicles with windshields, headlights and turn signals.
Also allowed under the revised city ordinance are seated scooters, mopeds and motorized bicycles. NEVs and other motorized vehicles must be equipped with headlamps, taillamps, a horn, turn signals and other safety features.
Not included in this definition and not allowed on city streets are motorized devices that don't meet lighting, engine capacity or safety requirements for licensing as a motor vehicle. This includes items like motorized skateboards and standing scooters.
In keeping with the idea of easy city commuting, NEVs will not be prohibited by the city from crossing at intersections where street speed limits are faster than 35 mph; however, they should only cross those streets and not travel along them.
"This is a safety issue," said Sgt. Wayne Granger with the Commerce City Police Department. "A slow-moving device on streets where cars are traveling a good deal faster just doesn't make good sense."
The ordinance spells out limitations for the use of NEVs and other allowed motorized devices, including:
• May be used only on roads where the posted speed limit is 35 mph or slower
• May not travel faster than 25 mph
• Must be equipped, registered and licensed in accordance with state law
• Will be subject to all applicable ordinances and statutes, including financial responsibility, governing other motor vehicles in the city
• Must not exceed occupancy or load restrictions set by the manufacturer; driver and all passengers must be seated in manufacturer-style seats
• May be operated only by persons with a valid driver's license
• May not be used on sidewalks or trails unless specifically posted for such use
• Must be driven in the right-hand lane, and as close to the right-hand side as practical
For more information on the revised ordinance and NEVs, contact Sgt. Granger with the Traffic Unit at (303) 289-3794.
Additional information on specific vehicle types and uses will be made available to the public by next spring, when warmer weather will bring increased use of NEVs and other devices.