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Resident describes near-miss with unlit bicyclists; council, police discuss education and safety options
Summary
A resident described narrowly avoiding a collision with bicyclists riding against traffic without lights; he offered a $500 donation toward an education program. Police said they plan further education and safety programs as staffing and funding permit.
During the council's public-comment period, resident Allan Swanson described a near-collision on Springfield Avenue when a young bicyclist with no lights "was smack in front of my car" while riding against traffic. Swanson said two other bicyclists followed and that the incident left him shaken; he told the council he spoke with Chief Hen earlier and pledged $500 to support a police-led safety or education program if the chief identifies an appropriate initiative.
Donna Zayn, another resident, also described seeing bicyclists riding against traffic around 7:15 p.m., noting most wore dark clothing and lacked lights or reflectors. She asked whether recent presentations (including a March 11 session) would be available on YouTube; staff confirmed the council meeting presentations are posted as part of the meeting recording.
Police and borough staff discussed recent community engagement including a town-hall presentation on police renovation, crime trends (package thefts and car thefts), and a 'pack act/watch' home security assessment program. Chief Hen responded to the bicyclist safety report, saying staff will develop additional education programs as staffing and funding allow. Council members encouraged residents to use the borough's resources, including a resident crime-watch program and home-security assessments offered by the police department.
