Police pass decide to monitor sidewalks
more closely
People who ride bicycles will
no longer get away with it
By Jerry Phillips
| Times Staff Writer
Odyssey police announced Wednesday that they
will begin watching the sidewalks more closely for bicyclists, roller-bladers,
and skateboard riders. Motivated to action by the recent increase in
sidewalk injuries, law enforcement officers will now give warnings to riders
for their first offense and assign fines for every violation after that.
"A few people around Odyssey have gotten hurt from careless riders," said
Chief Quinn. "The sidewalks should be a safe place where people don't have
to worry about dodging fast-moving bikes." Quinn cited an incident a few
weeks ago where a young rider ran into a pedestrian. The pedestrian's leg
was broken and the bike was a complete mess. Quinn declined comment on the
identities of either of the people.
Mark Ouray, president of the local We Like to Bike Hike club expressed
disappointment over the move. "There's no denying that biking on sidewalks
can be dangerous to people walking," he said. "But I think it's safer for
younger kids to ride on the sidewalk if they're very careful. Some roads in
Odyssey are pretty busy and I'd be concerned about young kids riding on
them."
This
article originally appeared in "The Odyssey Times," a
special fictional newspaper produced by Focus on the Family to promote
Adventures in Odyssey.
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