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Hayden looks at sidewalk rules

Tamera Manzanares

Two-wheeled transport, motorized and nonmotorized, was the focus of a Hayden Town Board meeting Thursday.

The board heard the first reading of ordinances that define toy vehicles and also prohibit bicycles, in-line skates, scooters and other vehicles on some or all of Hayden’s sidewalks.

Colorado’s Model Traffic Code, revised in 2003, bans toy motorcycles, or minibikes, from public roadways but does not give an exact definition of the vehicles.



Town attorney Mike Holloran helped devise the proposed ordinance, which defines toy vehicles as those with an outside wheel diameter of 14 inches or less. Toy vehicles include Go-Peds and other stand-up scooters.

The town, concerned the law will push toy motorcycles onto sidewalks, is proposing another ordinance restricting the vehicles from sidewalks. At the same time, the board wants to address the potential problem of bicycles, skateboards, scooters and other vehicles on sidewalks.



Town officials are particularly concerned about accidents between riders and pedestrians on busier sidewalks downtown. The first reading of the ordinance did not specify whether riders would be restricted from some or all of Hayden’s sidewalks.

Trustee Tim Frentress was concerned about the safety of children riding along Jefferson Avenue if the ordinance passes.

“Their chances are better out there on sidewalks instead of the highway,” he said.

Mayor Chuck Grobe, however, said the ordinance might encourage more riders, including children, to use back streets instead of Jefferson Avenue.

Board members agreed to proceed to the second reading of both ordinances May 19.

“There is a true hazard out there, not only to pedestrians but to children,” Trustee Joe Schminkey said. “It needs to be addressed.”

The ordinances would be part of a revised Hayden traffic code, which is based on changes made to the state traffic code.

Also Thursday, the board approved an ordinance allowing the town to sell its Old Town Shop at 200 N. Walnut St. to Schminkey for $40,000 and a half-acre lot in Schminkey’s industrial park at 530 W. Ironhorse Road.

The Old Town Shop was vacant and not used for any town purposes. Hayden will store road maintenance and other equipment on the industrial lot.


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