Bike riders becoming problem
Despite the Peabody Gazette-Bulletin printing pleas from citizens and police officers during the past several months, and officers issuing warning tickets, complaints continue to mount about children on bikes.
"Now that school has started, some of the pressure is off of drivers (to watch for kids) during the bulk of the day," said Peabody Police Chief Bruce Burke. "But during the time they travel to and from school and after school is out, they are creating a bigger problem than ever.
"We will be joining the elementary school staff very shortly for a bicycle safety presentation," he added. "It will be an all-school assembly."
Burke said that in the meantime he would urge parents to spend time with their children, discussing or practicing bicycle safety.
"Bike riders need to observe the same rules as other vehicles," he said. "The riders need to stop at stop signs, yield when they come to a yield sign, and look both ways at unmarked intersections.
"Bikers weaving from side to side or riding in the middle of the street have been reported to police and school officials," Burke added. "We have had numerous complaints about children on bikes not getting out of the way."
Burke and his officers will continue to patrol bike routes before and after school and issue warnings. But he would like additional assistance from parents.
"We don't want anyone to get hurt," he said. "We have been really lucky, but the kids have to realize that their bicycle is no match for a car, a grain truck, or a semi."
