Teen's Advocacy Leads To Scooter Law Change
By Dave Reynolds,
Inclusion Daily Express
December 12, 2006
TRENTON, NEW
JERSEY--Matthew Tempe's parents ought to be proud of their son.
The 14-year-old, who has muscular dystrophy, inspired legislation that
made it through and passed the New Jersey Legislature on Monday.
After a police officer told informed Tempe in September 2005 that it was
against the law for him and others to use motorized scooters on public roads
and sidewalks, the teen and his parents decided to do what they could to
correct what they felt was an unfair law.
So they contacted their legislators and asked them to change the law so
motorized scooters used by people with disabilities would be exempt.
Their efforts led to Assembly Bill 2069 and Senate Bill 1074, which
would allow people with disabilities to operate motorized scooters on local and
county roads with 25-35 mph speed limits, on sidewalks and on certain other
public property.
The Star-Ledger noted that the measures would require scooter riders to
carry identification showing they have a bona fide disability, and to wear a
helmet.
The legislation now goes to the governor.
Related:
"Teen inspired state bill on motorized scooters"
(Star-Ledger)
http://www.inclusiondaily.com/news/06/red/1212c.htm
---
Reproduced here under special arrangement
with Inclusion Daily Express international disability rights news service.
© Copyright 2006 Inonit
Publishing. Please do not reprint, publish or distribute without
permission. |
