The 2025-2026 school year brought a new wave of traffic on community side-walks and pedestrian crossings: mini bikes. Mini bikes, similar to dirt bikes but smaller in size, are categorized by the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) as motorized bicycles, which according to the Missouri Reservoir of Statues, are prohibited on sidewalks. In a news article, the MSHP addressed the trend in mini bike operation amongst teens, reminding parents that Missouri road laws still apply.
“[It is] illegal to operate motorized bicycles on public streets and highways unless the operator has a driver’s license,” the MSHP said.
The majority of riders found traveling in the community are identified to be middle schoolers, which are not legally eligible to obtain a drivers license. While most mini bike travel has been confined to sidewalks, there have been several instances where riders have been spotted traversing roads. The MSHP states that when a motor bike is on the roads, they must follow the same laws as a motor vehicle.
“Anytime one of these devices is operated on a Missouri roadway (city street, county road, or state highway), they must abide by the same laws governing a motor vehicle,” the MSHP said. This includes stopping at stop signs and yielding to oncoming traffic when turning left; both of which riders have been observed violating on Fenton roadways. This has raised concerns across the community in regards to driver and pedestrian safety.
History teacher and coach Jason Miller said that mini bikes have the potential to be a good option, especially for unlicensed teenagers, providing a mode of transportation; however, most roads lack designated lanes to allow their safe operation.
“My first thought is I’m happy that kids are out doing stuff. In that regard, I think it’s a neat thing if it’s something that gets kids out and interacting. It’s a way for kids that don’t have a driver’s license to get around and access fields or go do something with friends. But I’ve heard that some [bikers] have gotten hit by cars, which is dangerous. If we could build some infrastructure for those to ride on, like bike lanes or something separated [from the sidewalk], because for me the big issue is safety for [the] people riding them more than anything, [but also] the safety of [someone] who’s walking on the sidewalk or going for a run. [In sharing the sidewalk] there’s an order of etiquette, but that just hasn’t been established yet,” Miller said.
