FROM THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT

Cars and bicycles have the street and pedestrians have a sidewalk, so what does this leave for people who have a physical disability and ride a "motorized mobility device? The Texas transportation code (542.009) gives us the law, but there are a few safety concerns we will address.

The law states these devices have three or more wheels, is propelled by a battery-powered motor, does not have more than one forward gear and cannot exceed speeds of over eight miles per hour. The motorized mobility devices are considered to be pedestrians. This means the operator has to treat it just like he or she was on foot. Pedestrians have to use the sidewalk when one is available or go against the flow of traffic if a sidewalk is not available. They have to cross the road at intersections and any other things a pedestrian might do.

There are many sidewalks which this device would not have access to because of the condition of sidewalk are in or because there is not an access to a ramp. In this case, you would have to use the roadway, but make sure you go against the flow of traffic.

For safety purposes, those people who operate these machines, need to get a large safety flag placed on the device so they can be seen by vehicles. Mobility devices have a lower profile which makes it difficult for vehicle operators to observe them so anything operators of the mobility devices can do to be seen is better for them and their safety.