Mopeds on the Sidewalk

Actually, the sidewalk is city owned, it is for public use. I'm not sure about scooters or mopeds being allowed. In regards to moving for a bike - where do you think the cyclist should go? Of course you have to move out of the way when they are riding thru. As for leaving toys on the sidewalk - you just need to think about safety. Don't clog up the sidewalk, people need to able to ride thru on their bike or walk thru without having to step over them. If someone were to be walking/riding by and tripped/fell on a toy you may/could be liable.

Next time take the high road when someone rides by. Don't use the 'I was there first' card - kinda childish :(

I know these aren't the answers you wanted to hear and I understand your frustration about how close the girls have come to your kids. In that situation, you could speak to the parents. They may not be aware and may appreciate the feedback - or not :)

Here's my kum bay ya statement - everyone has to work together to get along in a community setting such as yours. Continue playing as you have just be aware of others and share.

I'm not sure what the laws are for mopeds and bikes on the sidewalk are in your area, but I know in our area you can have both on the sidewalk...you can also ride in the street next to the sidewalk.

My children are not allowed to ride in the street. They know that if someone is on the sidewalk, they need to either go around them, or if they're stationary (as you were describing you were) then they need to quit going that far down.

You have the right to play on the sidewalk in front of your house, but in most cities the sidewalk is not your property. It's considered communal/city property.

City law here is NO moped or motorized anything on the sidewalk.

Call and see what the ordinance is in your city then let the police handle it.

I think I would have stayed on my own driveway and not on the sidewalk portion. About 3 feet from the curb or gutter is considered the sidewalk. If a person was walking by on the sidewalk you should move out of the way and not have toys they might trrip on. When I take kids out to play on our driveway I show them the line where it starts to slope to the street and that is the DO NOT CROSS line. So we are never any closer than 4 feet to the street. Its safer and also gives room for the little scooter riders who were obviously trying to be obnoxious by riding so close, so fast so often. And heaven help them if they come riding up my own driveway! Id point blank tell them to go away and ride somewhere else.

In most areas, the sidewalk is considered public, not private, property. Which means that they can ride up and down as much as they like.
Doesn't mean that they aren't being inconsiderate, they need to share too.

Have you thought of talking to the parents? Just mention that they were awfully close to your little guy and that you would appreciate it if they were a bit more careful around little kids.

I hope someone answers you because I plan on buying my granddaughter an electric scooter for Christmas. I will do some investigating tomorrow and let you know what I fine and then I'll answer your question, hopefully my tomorrow because the stores are running short of them. thanks

Call your local police dept and ask what the rules/laws are for mopeds on the sidewalk, if a license is required, (in CA they are for motorized mopeds on public roads, but I don't know about sidewalks) etc. I'd relay whatever info you find out to the parents of the girls down the street, and I'd probably park a lawn chair in the middle of my driveway with me in it as well so I could tell the girls to "please go around, my kids are playing." I wouldn't leave toys out on the sidewalk, though, as it's for everyone to use, not just your family.

The side walk is public property. You can get a ticket if your car is even parked over/crossing over it in your driveway. It is the path that pedestrians and bikers are supposed to use. You guys need to play in the grass or on the driveway.

It depends on the moped motorcycle, but at least where I live they are not allowed to drive on the sidewalk. Motorized scooter can NOT go on the street so is only allowed on the sidewalk. Also if the moped goes over 50 you need a motorcycle license to drive it (brother just got ticketed for this). Unlike mopeds, which may be driven legally on public roads, a motorized scooter may not be operated legally on public roads or sidewalks within a roadway’s right-of-way.

Also check the age limit for driving a moped, you have to be 16 to drive a moped or motorized scooter with a drivers license. "Anyone operating a motorized scooter on a street or sidewalk without a valid driver’s license could receive a citation for operating a motor vehicle without a driver’s license. For juveniles, such a violation could result in their being ineligible for a driver’s license when they turn age 16." I would check with your area what the laws are and then call it in if things are not on the up and up.

Sidewalks are PUBLIC, so keep them clear. Yes you can ride/walk on them but I would keep all other toys away from the sidewalk. Playing on the side walk I would not let my daughter do if there are other kids not being careful.

EDITED: Found this info about IL laws on motorized scooter/mopeds:

Title and Registration
The process to register a scooter or moped is the same as for motorcycle registrations. You must complete Form VSD-190, available only at your local Secretary of State office, and submit the appropriate documentation and required fees and taxes. It costs $38 to register a moped or scooter and $65 to title it.

License to Ride
You'll need to carry a Class L driver's license to ride a moped or scooter, as long as the engine displacement is less than 150 cubic centimeters. If the displacement is 150cc or more, you'll need a Class M license. Visit our Motorcycle License section for information about how to apply for these licenses.

Ask at your town hall. Where I live, no you can't have your toys on the sidewalk obstructing passing traffic (on foot or wheels) even if you're out there playing. Where I live, the sidewalk is public property designed for other people in transit, not for people to stop or play in. When other people come along, who ever is slow or standing still gets out of the way. I would just move your kids further up into your driveway. A friend has a cool little roll out gate thing that she places across the bottom of her driveway so that her kids know to stay inside the boundary. You could get one and place that so that it is in line with the inside edge of the sidewalk, allowing others to use the sidewalk unobstructed.

It depends on the city. I know many cities that you can't have anything with wheels on the sidewalks. I mean no bikes, skates, skateboards, tricycles. Most cities aren't that strict, but some are. You might want to call the police and see what the laws are in your town on that aspect.
That being said there is a general "rule" on sidewalks that pedestrians have the right of way. Manners imply that bikes need to make way for smaller children and walking adults. At least that's who it was when I was a kid, things may have changed by now.