PEKIN, Ill.— Traffic codes in Pekin could include the use of low-speed electric and gas powered bicycles in 2020.
The Pekin City Council voted Tuesday night to table the motion to add such bicycles to the City Traffic Code.
Many council members stated that the issue of the motorized bicycles in the city, affecting traffic, has been known for months.
Council member Lloyd Orrick said during the meeting that the council would need more information to make a decision and motioned for the agenda item to be tabled.
Citizens of Pekin are concerned that the bikes can get too loud, and if the bikes would be registered and insured.
Pekin Public Information Officer, Billie Ingles, said that police are aware of the issue and tickets are issued.
“When an officer sees violations, they take care of the violations as they occur,” Ingles said.
Pekin Mayor, Mark Luft, said above all safety comes first.
“It’s just to find a fair balance to where everyone can get their needs met, stay within a safety compliance, and not put themselves or other people in jeopardy,” Luft said.
The motion has been tabled until the first city council meeting in February.
Luft said the time gap gives council members time to gather more information.
“When it comes to ordinances, it’s never too long. You want to make sure you get them right the first time,” Luft said. “Going back and re-amending or re-looking at on and on actually eats up more time. But, there will be discussion with this.”
