Mopeds

Mopeds are fun. But they're dangerous on public roads. Safety Sam advises parents to discourage their children from riding on mopeds, either as drivers or passengers. To avoid the risk of hospital bills and the inconvenience of life-long nursing of an invalid, many parents just say, "No."

Off-road operation of mopeds is allowed by law with the property owner's permission, but not on public bike trails.

Operation on public roads by persons 16 years and older is allowed by law. The same rules of the road apply to mopeds, bicycles and automobiles, including obeying traffic signals, signs and speed limits (25 m.p.h. on most residential streets in our neighborhood.)

Safety equipment. Wearing code-approved helmets is required by law. Wearing protec-tive clothing is recommended.

Mopeds vs. motorcycles. The faster type of mopeds capable of speeds over 35 m.p.h. are classified as motorcycles, requiring D.M.V registration of the vehicle and a Class M driver's license. As a general rule, these mopeds can be identified by the absence of footrest pegs and pedals.