Police present traffic‑speed study and explain new state rules for high‑speed electric motorcycles

Hyde Park’s police chief (speaker 3) presented monthly departmental statistics for February and a radar‑trailer sample for a location near a new elementary school. He said the department handled 401.1 calls in February, with 80 calls in Hyde Park and 321 in neighboring North Logan, and that proactive enforcement has produced 761 stops year‑to‑date.

Using radar‑trailer data for Feb. 6 at the 540 North / 400 East location, the chief said 4,270 vehicles were counted that day (1,662 southbound; 2,608 northbound). He reported that about 2,624 of those vehicles were speeding and that the 80th‑percentile speed was about 33 mph; the average speed recorded that day was 26.47 mph and the top speed logged was 87 mph. The chief said radar trailers and flashing displays reduce speeds and recommended strategic placement and times for enforcement (noting particularly heavy use during school travel hours).

On a separate enforcement and policy item, the chief summarized House Bill 381, which had passed both chambers and was headed to the governor. If signed, the bill would reclassify certain high‑speed electric dirt bikes as e‑motorcycles, require helmets and a safety/training certificate, set age restrictions and allow law enforcement to detain juveniles until a parent arrives (with impoundment as an option). He said the bill goes into effect May 6; local governments retain the ability to adopt stricter local rules (for example, prohibiting certain devices on sidewalks).

Council members asked about public education and potential grace periods; the chief said the state action narrows uncertainty but cities can still adopt local ordinances to be stricter or to clarify rules for sidewalks and trails.