Discuss new law regarding e-bikes
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By Ariana R. Cherry
The topic during general discussion at the most recent meeting of the Arthur Village Board centered around e-bikes, scooters, and other motorized devices. There are new Illinois regulations that govern these popular modes of transportation.
Arthur Police Chief Elliott Tinnon explained that the new legislation took effect on July 1. It established statewide regulations for e-bikes, electric scooters, skateboards, unicycles, and similar motorized vehicles.
“It actually went into effect on July 1,” Tinnon said. “It is going to be an e-bike, a scooter, or anything that will go over 28 miles per hour. It has to be registered, titled, and you have to have insurance on it.”
Tinnon said operators of all motorized devices covered by the law must be at least 16 years old. While title, registration, and insurance requirements for vehicles capable of traveling more than 28 mph will not be enforced until Jan. 1, 2027, the age requirement is already in effect.
The chief also reminded trustees that the new law prohibits the devices from being operated on sidewalks. Board members discussed whether municipalities could adopt their own regulations and were advised that communities may enact ordinances that are more restrictive than state law, but not less restrictive. No action was taken following the discussion.
During department reports, Tinnon thanked numerous agencies, volunteers, and businesses that assisted with Arthur’s Fourth of July fireworks celebration before announcing the Arthur Police Department had received a $6,000 grant to fund the first year of the village’s Flock Safety camera subscription. “We were awarded $6,000, which covers both of our cameras for the year,” Cornwall said. “I will be reapplying for this next year.”
OTHER NEWS DISCUSSED/VOTED UPON
• yield signs will be replaced with stop signs along Palmer Street. Chief Tinnon recommended beginning with Palmer Street rather than replacing signs throughout town. “Palmer Street is plenty wide for two vehicles both ways. There’s no slowing on that street,” Tinnon said. “I think that street could benefit from using stop [signs] at those three locations.” Trustees agreed to install six stop signs along Palmer Street and evaluate the results before considering additional intersections.
• business credit cards were approved for the administration, police department, and public works department. Tinnon explained that officers have occasionally had to purchase fuel with personal funds when the fuel system experiences problems. “Nowadays our guys shouldn’t be expected to use their own,” one trustee commented during the discussion. The board agreed that monthly expense reports will be reviewed to provide accountability.
• approved advertising for village-owned properties on Union Street and Fourth Street before considering the sale of the Union Street property. Village officials said they wanted to allow the public to submit offers before acting on an existing proposal.
• village’s insurance bidding process following recent storm damage will be postponed. Officials noted the Illinois Municipal League Risk Management Association had been responsive during recent roof claims. “After all of the claims that we had, our rates did not go up… because it’s spread out through all the municipalities in the area,” officials noted during the discussion.
• after motorists had mistakenly attempted to access Illinois Route 133 from Orchard Lane, directional signs with left and right arrows will be installed.
• approved local tourism grant of $8,500 for Simply Arthur to assist with marketing efforts. A $75,000 TIF Grant was also approved to assist with the construction of the new Dick Hein Community Building, located at 220 Jurgens Parkway.