Worth is the latest municipality weighing what restrictions should be implemented on youths and teens who are riding e-scooters and e-bikes.
A lengthy discussion took place during the Worth Village Board meeting on Oct. 7 to determine what should occur. Mayor Mary Werner believes an ordinance needs to be passed soon so the public can be informed.
“The biggest complaints I hear from residents is that these kids are riding the e-scooters on sidewalks and you don’t know they are coming,” Werner said. “This could be dangerous.”
Werner reminded the board and residents at the meeting that there is currently a state law that no one under age 18 can ride an e-scooter. But the mayor would like to set some guidelines that inform parents of any changes the board makes.
Evergreen Park passed an ordinance in August that states offenders may be fined $100 but not more than $1,000 for several offenses. Oak Lawn has also passed an ordinance that restricts the use of e-scooters and e-bikes.
Trustee Laura Packwood also said that something needs to be done to curb these riders who she said continue to speed and ride erratically through the village.
“My biggest fear is that these kids ride on sidewalks and they just ignore stop signs and race past people,” Packwood said.
Another concern is that many streets in Worth do not have sidewalks and these youths are riding on the streets where some motorists may not see them when it is dark, according to some officials.
Board members and Police Chief Tim Denton were in agreement that some restrictions should be made. The current obstacle is how to go about it. Denton suggested that a buffer period be enacted to allow for parents to be aware of an ordinance that would not permit youths under age 18 to ride e-scooters in the village.
That stipulation in a proposed ordinance is what Werner would like to see included. But Trustee Rich Dziedzic warns that the board may receive some criticism from some parents.
“We are going to catch a lot of heat,” Dziedzic said. “I can tell you that some parents are going to go out and buy these scooters for their kids. We have to do something.”
Werner agrees and said a decision will have to be reached soon
“I think we have to educate the parents and to tell them now so they don’t buy them for Christmas presents,” Werner said.
A final decision on e-scooters could be made as early as the next board meeting on Oct. 21. The mayor said she has not received complaints about older teens riding e-bikes.
In other news, Justin Meister, a Worth police officer, has resigned to take a position in another municipality. Trustee Pete Kats, the chairman of the public safety committee, said he was sorry to see Meister leave. However, the department has just added two probationary officers and will fill the quota for the village, Kats said.
Village Clerk Bonnie Price said that Davis Concrete put in the lowest bid and was approved to work on the 2025-26 Motor Fuel Tax Sidewalk Program. They put in a bid of $67,182.50.
Werner also mentioned that the Marrs-Meyer American Legion Post 991 Auxiliary Holiday Bazaar will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at the post, 11001 S. Depot St. Entry is free. The mayor reminded the board and residents that they can buy early Christmas gifts.
The Worth Park District is hosting a Trunk-or-Treat Spooktacular from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at Altman Park, 7425 W. 115th St. Participants are being sought for the event. More information can be obtained by calling 708-448-7080 or at worthparkdistrict.org.
The park district is also holding a Haunted Trail from 7 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 25 at Altman Park. Volunteers are needed. The fee to enter is $11 per person or $12 online.
The Worth Cruisers Car Club will hold Trunks With Treats from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27, at the Water’s Edge Golf Course, 115th and Harlem. Featured will be a kids and adults costume contest, trick-or-treaters, a trivia contest, music, dancing, and candy.