Spring has Sprung!!!  Hallelujah! 

Last month I wrote about March, the transition month.  What a month.  Snow.  Cold.  It’s nice to reflect on how beautiful the snow was.  Right!!  I hope your planning for spring is finished and you’re busy enjoying.  And now it’s official… it’s Spring!  It’s great to get outdoors with family and friends.  It’s a fun time!   

Speaking of outdoor fun, safety is always a concern on one’s property.  I’m sure you have the necessary safety measures.  In other words, it’s time to get out the activities checklist of the “Do’s”, the “Don’ts” and the “Who can do that for me?”  The City’s checklist includes a reminder that activities on neighborhood and subdivision streets increases this time of year and not just from automobiles but other vehicles.  Some may not be legal.  So as drivers, we need to always be more aware.  What other vehicles might be on our streets?   

(1) Golf Carts

The City ordinance defines golf carts as any motorized or electric vehicle manufactured primarily for transporting up to two persons while playing golf.  The cart is designed for off-highway use.  Carts modified to accommodate more than two passengers are also included.  Also included in this definition are utility vehicles such as the Kawasaki Mule and the John Deere Gators.  Further, the ordinance states: to operate a golf cart upon any street or highway in the city, the person must have a valid driver’s license. 

(2) Motorized Play Vehicles

These vehicles are defined as mini-motorcycles, pocket bikes, and any other vehicle that is capable of transporting a person; that is self propelled by a motor or engine and that is not otherwise defined by Missouri Statutes or the Clarkson Valley Code as a motor vehicle, motorcycle, bicycle, or motorized bicycle.   

The ordinance goes on to state it is unlawful to operate a motorized play vehicle and/or a motorized skateboard upon any street, roadway or sidewalk within the city.   

The definition of motorized skateboard is a single platform mounted on wheels, which has no mechanism or other device with which to steer or to control the movement or direction or velocity of the platform, and is powered by an internal combustion engine or electric motor that is capable of propelling the device, with or without human propulsion.   

These ordinances are designed to safeguard all of our citizens.   

Other safety tips - Don’t forget, when you are out taking your walk – walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.  We still see people walking at dusk or even after dark in dark clothes.  If you are walking late, be sure you wear white clothing or better-still… reflective clothing or reflective strips. 

Keep on recycling.  Get your new larger bin by calling 314-291-3131 today and Recycle!