Lawmakers consider moped law changes

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Whether it's because they're fun, or fuel-efficient, more people ride mopeds than ever before.  But other drivers do not share the enthusiasm.

"There's too many of them on the street that should not be there...and well, I just don't like them," said Jim Fain, of Lafayette.

"They're a little bit dangerous at times...They slow down the traffic," said Jerry Roy Wilson, of Lafayette.

"I don't like the fact that they try to keep up with the cars.  It could cause a multi-vehicle accident," added Stan Hyman, of Lafayette.

Senator Ron Alting wants to change moped laws, for the safety of all who share the road.  Alting and Lafayette Police Sgt. Max Smith said existing laws are confusing, and do not even use the term moped.  Rules for "motorized bicycles" are based on the size of the engine, the age of the rider, and where they are riding.

"I mean there's too many different entities in this for the common person, including myself I may add, to try to figure out what the heck is the law?  It needs to be simplified, it needs to be understood," said Alting.

"We need those laws to come more in line with the type of unit that's out on the roadway so we can better educate the public about what they're allowed to ride and what they're allowed to ride, and what they're not allowed to ride, and where they can ride, so we have safety on the roadway," said Smith.

Alting has drafted a bill to revise moped regulations.  Those changes could impact people like Craig Franklin, of Lafayette.

"I have OWIs so my driver's license [is] suspended for life," said Franklin.

Franklin said he has turned his life around.  He has not had a drink in six years.  With a wife and  four children at home, he said he needs a moped to support his family.

"It's very important to me, because that's how I get to work, and that's how I can go get necessary parts for work, or run errands that I need to do throughout the day," he said.

Neal's Muffler and Brake owner Randy Neal counts on Franklin, his only employee.

"If a customer comes in and he's in a big hurry, we have to get them out quickly, he's not afraid to get on his moped, go down and pick the parts up and bring them back," said Neal.
 
Alting's bill proposes everyone operating a moped be required to have a driver's license, to register the moped with a license plate, and to have insurance.

"I think some of the laws should change, but having a valid drivers license, I don't think that should be a requirement," said Franklin.

"That would mean I'd have to get up every morning, go pick him up, take him to work, take him home.  I mean, I have enough problems with this business, trying to see that it's a going, and then to have to spend a half hour a day going to pick him up and take him home," said Neal.

Alting promises the final bill will include an exception for people like Franklin who need a way to get to and from work.

"It's never been my objective, never, to draft this bill to take away the objective that if someone has made a poor choice in their life and they've got their life back to order and their only mode of transportation is this, to take this transportation away from them," said Alting.

Alting will continue to meet with people interested in what the proposed law will entail.  He will have a final draft ready when the legislative session begins in mid-January.  If the bill passes the Senate and the House, and is signed by the Governor, new moped laws could take effect in July.