Kids On Bikes Causing Havoc On Beverly Streets

BEVERLY, MA — Spring in the air brought droves of children on bicycles onto the streets of Beverly late last week and over the weekend.

Some of their riding habits, however, are causing concern as Beverly drivers complained of children riding without helmets, weaving in and out of traffic and even playing "chicken" with vehicles.

"Please know the police department is aware of the situation and has already spoken to a few parents," Beverly police said. "The School Resource Officers are out and about every day after school speaking to kids handing out helmets to those who need them."

Police are asking parents to "do your part" and talk with children about bike safety if they are riding their bikes to school and around the city.

"Please stress the importance of helmets," police said, citing the town ordinance that all those 16-and-under operating in-line skates, skateboards, scooters or another manually propelled wheeled vehicle (like a bike) on any public way "shall wear a helmet."

Any family that is having a hard time finding a proper helmet is advised to contact tmezza@beverlyma.gov or sfiore@beverlyma.gov.

"In addition to bike safety concerns, there were other reports of kids on bikes bullying and picking on other children, throwing rocks at cars and animals, and other inappropriate activity," police added.

Police also discouraged drivers from simply complaining about the kids on social media.

"For those who have reported incidents on Facebook, if you see kids weaving in and out of traffic or playing chicken with vehicles in traffic please call the police at 978-922-1212 and report it rather than posting to Facebook," police said. "Please do not contribute to an already-unsafe situation by trying to take a video or picture while you are driving. Safely pull over and call."

Police said drivers can also submit a "Juvenile Complaint" tip through the MyPD smartphone app.

"However, please note that children just riding in the roadway, who are operating their bike in a safe manner and following traffic laws are not violating the law and do not need to be reported," police said.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)