SAUGUS Have a Safe & Happy July 4th! Vol. 25, No. 26 -FREE- www.advocatenews.net Published Every Friday CELEBRATING OUR INDEPENDENCE 781-233-4446 Friday, July 1, 2022 Brats on Bikes Last year’s problem of unruly kids on bikes terrorizing drivers and pedestrians has resurfaced on Saugus streets By Mark E. Vogler C itizen complaints about the unruly kids are becoming more frequent on social media as the town embraces summertime. And police are currently monitoring the situation, at the request of town offi cials. Police Chief Michael Ricciardelli could not be reached for comment. But he’s heard from town offi cials who are hoping STRIKING A PATRIOTIC POSE: The bald eagle – the symbol of American strength and freedom since 1782 when it was portrayed as part of the Great Seal of the United States – is perched on a tulip tree. This portrait is one of many eagle shots taken since February by Saugus photographer Charlie “Zap” Zapolski. Please see inside for this week’s “The Advocate Asks” and more photos. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) ~ Home of the Week ~ SAUGUS...Step inside this 3-4 bedroom Colonial and enjoy Route One. of rig f smartpho Vieww thhee interior y fthis home ght on yo our hone. for some action. “The bicycle issue in town is extremely concerning and one that I do not take lightly,” Selectman Jeff rey Cicolini told The Saugus Advocate this week. “I have been in contact with the Chief of Police several times in recent months on the matter as well as the town manager. The police department is well aware of the issue and encourages any person (on foot or driving) who witnesses this happening to report it to the police immediately,” Cicolini said in an email yesterday (Thursday, June 30) “I am very concerned that someone is going to get hurt or, even worse, killed. Several options were discussed in order to try to get this under control. Having an open dialogue and community forums/ outreach from the police department to the parents on the importance of educating their children as to the risks of such behavior,” he said. “The police department will also inform residents of its ability to seize the bicycle and issue fi nes for anyone partaking in such activities. Unfortunately, it appears some parents may not know their children are doing this. However, for the ones that do, the only way to get this under control is to issue fi nes and seize the assets, otherwise why would a parent continue to allow their child to knowingly put themselves in harm’s way?” Selectman Corinne Riley said that based on what she’s read on Saugus Facebook sites, some angry residents are responding by taking photographs of the cyclists who are annoying them “Same thing happened last summer,” Riley said. “It’s not going to be so funny if someone hits them or gets fed up and gives one of them a thrashing. Hopefully, it will be taken care of soon,” she said. LAST YEAR’S CRACKDOWN Precinct 2 Town Meeting Member Robert J. Camuso, Sr. crafted a long email to selectmen last year titled “Kids riding into oncoming traffic & vandalism in our parks. “These dangerous stunts and playing chicken with traffi c is illegal and happening more and more every day,” Camuso wrote. “Before someone gets hurt or killed, we need to address this because car VS bicycle... car wins every time.” Camuso didn’t think the email was enough. So, he appeared at a Board of Selectmen’s BRATS ON BIKES | SEE PAGE 18 AS NGELO’ FULL SERVICE Regular Unleaded $4.599 Mid Unleaded $4.789 Super $5.299 Diesel Fuel $5.399 44 Years of Excellence!! 1978-2022 KERO $8.99 DEF $4.75 9 DYED ULS $4.999 9 HEATING OIL 24-Hour Burner Service Call for Current Price! DEF Available by Pump! Open an account and order online at: www.angelosoil.com (781) 231-3500 (781) 231-3003 367 LINCOLN A A Hours: Mon. - Wed. 6AM - 6PM / Thurs. & Fri. 6AM - 7PM / Sat. 7AM - 5PM / Sun. 9AM-1PM Prices subject to change Ask about our Heating Oil Conditioner! FLEET
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