Several Bristol Borough families who have children that ride bikes will likely find summary citations for disorderly practicers in the mail in the coming days, authorities said.
Groups of bicycle riders will be cited for their disorderly behavior, police said
Last week Chief of Police Joe Moors spoke with several of the identified bike riders who were “acting out” during popular events at the Wharf in recent weeks.
My officers have tried to reason with the kids, he said, often meeting defiant opposition to corrective suggestions.
Complaints from Borough residents have peeked in recent weeks, alleging a group bike riders are playing “chicken” with motorists, riding their bikes on and through private property.
Moors told a group of riders they were seen on video surveillance harassing motorists and attendees at a recent event.
“So what?” one of the riders responded.
Moors, in response, said the group will be cited and it’s their parents who will have to pay the tickets.
“Let’s see what your parents have to say when it’s time to pay those tickets.”
The group quickly rode off after the chief admonished them.
One borough mom who watched the entire exchange said they don’t even respect the chief of police who was trying to be good-natured about the whole thing.
“It’s unbelievable!” she said, shaking her head while eyeing her own kids.
The last thing Moors or anyone else wants to see is their child rushed to a medical facility for head trauma or worse because they were bike riding unsafely.
“It’s one of those nightmares I have frequently,” he said, “and one I work with my officers to avoid having by trying to engage the kids in conversation.”
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“Ultimately, all we can do is warn, plead and then cite,” he said. “After that it’s up to the parents to speak to their children about the dangers of playing chicken with vehicles or pedestrians.”
Disorderly practice summary fines in Bristol can go as high as $300 for first-time offenders, according to a state statute.
In a semi related matter, Moors said, issues still continue with e bikes and scooters riding on public streets.
Before the summer began, the police department visited with school students and parents to educate and inform about the legal issues of riding on borough streets
Moors confiscated one more scooter, last week noting the issue still exists.
The chief declined to say how many of each the department has seized over the summer or what is done with the bikes/scooters once appropriated.
