COUNCIL PASSES BILL TO CURB 'POCKET BIKES'.Byline: Rick Orlov Orlov (Орлรณв) is the name of a Russian noble family which produced several distinguished statesmen, diplomatists and soldiers. The family first gained distinction in the person of four Orlov brothers, of whom the senior was Catherine the Great's Staff Writer At 6-foot-1 and more than 200 pounds, City Councilman Dennis Zine usually isn't hard to find. Yet Zine all but disappeared Tuesday when he sat on a miniature motorcycle motorcycle, motor vehicle whose design is based on the bicycle. The German inventor Gottlieb Daimler is generally credited with building the first practical motorcycle in 1885. The motorcycle did not become dependable and popular, however, until after 1900. like the ones the city is targeting in a new crusade. The ``pocket bike,'' which had been seized seized (seised) n. 1) having ownership, commonly used in wills as "I give all the property of which I die seized as follows:...." 2) having taken possession of evidence for use in a criminal prosecution. 3) having taken property or a person by force. (See: seisin, seizure) by the LAPD's traffic division, was in the City Council chambers to show how difficult it would be for motorists to spot riders. The small bikes are gaining popularity among some parents as gifts for their youngsters. ``The problem is, people are driving these on the streets illegally, and we're seeing more accidents and even deaths,'' Zine said as the City Council voted 15-0 to adopt a regulation requiring sellers to notify people it's illegal to ride the bikes on streets. ``A lot of people, when they get stopped, say they didn't know it was against the law,'' said Zine, a retired LAPD 1. LAPD - Link Access Procedure on the D channel. 2. LAPD - Los Angeles Police Department. motorcycle cop. ``We don't want them to be able to use that as an excuse anymore.'' Los Angeles Los Angeles (lôs ăn`jələs, lŏs, ăn`jəlēz'), city (1990 pop. 3,485,398), seat of Los Angeles co., S Calif.; inc. 1850. police officials estimate some 500,000 of the bikes - all less than two feet in height and selling for about $200 - were sold last year in the U.S., and there were 45 deaths associated with them. ``There are no regulations on these,'' Zine said. ``There is no license requirement because they're supposed to be used only on private property. But we need to make sure they stay off the streets.'' Councilman Tony Cardenas Tony Cardenas served in the California State Assembly. In the Assembly, he had the powerful position of chair of the Budget Committee. He is now a Los Angeles City Councilman, representing the 6th district, which includes parts of the San Fernando Valley. urged the city's lobbyists raise the issue with state lawmakers to get a uniform measure in the state. Rick Orlov, (213) 978-0390 rick.orlov(at)dailynews.com |
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