Editorial

Each year, states come up with new laws that go into effect Jan. 1.

The majority of these laws slither silently into the books without much debate or scrutiny.

The public is often ignorant to these new laws for the simple reason that the authorities like it that way.

But ignorance is not a viable excuse when these new laws get broken. Consequently, many people get cited for breaking laws they didn’t even know existed.

One of these new laws, regarding motorized scooters, that took effect at the beginning of this year is harsh and unnecessary. The law, while well- intentioned, is an example of shooting a fly with a canon.

There is a need to regulate operation of and noise from the two-wheeled vehicles, but requiring scooter operators to get a driver’s license is a little extreme.

While serious injuries and deaths have occurred as a result of scooters, simple safety training would be a more effective approach to control the accidents than requiring a driver’s license to operate them.

Numerous accidents and deaths have also occurred with people riding bicycles, but no laws have been put in place requiring bicycle riders to get a any sort of license, even though they are also operated on busy roads and sidewalks.

Isn’t it also ironic that bicycles, which are operated by more children under the age of 16, are so unregulated? This age bracket has been affected the most by scooter injuries, according to the Consumer Products Safety Commission.

The only license you need to ride a bicycle, even on the busiest streets, is a helmet.

It is unfair to lay strict laws against one mode of transportation that provides cheaper, faster and more convenient transit over another just because of a few irresponsible people.

But the law against scooters is not only out there on the streets. A more radical version exists right here at Fresno State.

Fresno State’s policy prohibits recreational use of motorized scooters and skateboards on campus.
That is cruel.

Granted, irresponsible use of skateboards and scooters — motorized or non-motorized — can be dangerous, but we don’t have an epidemic of skateboard and scooter accidents at Fresno State. Why these rules?

By creating laws and rules restricting motorized scooter owners, who are mostly teenagers and college students, the government has unintentionally put restrictions on people who may not have money to buy cars or pay insurance and has effectively eliminated a cheaper and more convenient means of transportation.

Instead of the restrictive driver’s license laws, the government should consider providing motorized scooter operators a lighter safety training certification.

Opinion Editor is Ethan Chatagnier [email protected]