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Residents urge action on vandalism, drones and e-bike safety on Modesto trails
Summary
Public speakers at the Modesto City Council meeting urged stronger responses to vandalism, proposed use of drones for patrols, and new rules to curb speeding e-bikes after several reported runner collisions; one speaker cited Oakland’s 5-mph passing rule for trails.
Multiple members of the public addressed the Modesto City Council on Feb. 24, urging action on vandalism, the city’s aircraft and drone procurement, and trail safety related to speeding e-bikes.
Lucas S., a Modesto resident, described a rise in graffiti and property damage and asked the council to strengthen prevention and response measures, suggesting more patrol presence, improved lighting, faster graffiti removal programs and partnerships with local organizations. "Vandalism creates burdens on homeowners and neighboring businesses," Lucas said, and asked for information on current and planned steps.
Sebastian Jones spoke under an accommodation and raised concerns about a noisy city plane and recommended the city consider investing in drones that can return to base and charge themselves to improve incident response times. "That drone will be there before the policemen," he said, describing a potential quicker response to 911 calls.
Derek Castle, representing the Canner College Area Neighborhood Alliance and the Shadow Chase Running Club, recounted two serious collisions involving runners on the Dry Creek Trail and Virginia Corridor Trail. He urged the council to enact an ordinance similar to Oakland’s that makes it unlawful to operate a bicycle on any city trail in excess of 5 mph when passing pedestrians. "On behalf of Caná and Shadowchase, please enact an ordinance that reduces the speed that bikes... are allowed to pass pedestrians," Castle said.
Council members took the comments under advisement. The public record shows no formal council action or ordinance vote on trail speed limits during the meeting; the public commenters requested staff study or ordinance drafting as potential next steps.
What’s next: Council members and staff may refer these public comments to relevant departments—police, parks and public works—for follow-up, data review and possible policy recommendations.
