Page 2 THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, AUGUST 9, 2024 PATROLLING| FROM PAGE 1 Strand Community Trail that runs through Saugus. Meanwhile, their current approach is more of a public education/ community policing one supported by warnings, in addition to engaging on a personal level with joggers, walkers and bicyclists who travel the rail trail for exercise and relaxation, according to Saugus Police Chief Michael Riccardelli. “It’s more of an informational thing right now because we can’t enforce the bylaw until it’s been approved,” Chief Riccardelli told The Saugus Advocate this week. “When we see motor vehicles there that shouldn’t be, we’re speaking to the people. I believe the public is happy to see a police presence on the rail trail. I think they like seeing us out there, especially at night,” the chief said. “The feedback we’ve been getting has been great. We’ve gotten a lot of positive emails. I use the rail trail myself. I usually walk the dog on the rail trail. I’ve run into people who tell me they like seeing the police on the rail trail,” he said. No complaints about unruly kids During recent years, selectmen have fielded resident complaints about unruly kids on bicycles terrorizing pedestrians out on walks, and even motorists trying to drive around town. Three summers ago, PreLawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lien * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net cinct 2 Town Meeting Member Robert J. Camuso, Sr. crafted a long email to selectmen titled “Kids riding into oncoming traffic & vandalism in our parks.” “These dangerous stunts & playing chicken with traffic is illegal and happening more & 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’s letter prompted some considerable discussion at Board of Selectmen’s meetings, which continued for several years. But the public complaints that proliferated on social media and spilled over into selectmen’s meetings have declined since Chief Riccardelli authorized the formation of voluntary police patrols on mountain bicycles after the rail trail opened in late 2022. The nature of complaints nowadays mostly involves unauthorized vehicles on the rail trail and reports of vehicles – authorized and unauthorized – traveling too fast while instilling fear in walkers of all ages. Chief Riccardelli credited the decline in complaints about unruly kids on bicycles with the creation of the rail trail bicycle unit, which operates from spring into the fall. The patrol also includes coverage * Zoning/Permitting Litigation COPS ON BIKES: Saugus Police Officers Billy Cash and Alison Cooper got some exercise on Monday (Aug. 5) while making the rounds on the Saugus segment of the Northern Strand Community Trail. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) of schools, parks and playgrounds in Cliftondale and throughout Saugus. “I think having a strong police force, especially on the rail trail has made a difference,” Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta told The Saugus Advocate this week. “I noticed that as well and immediately made the connection,” Panetta said of the apparent decline in complaints about kids on bicycles causing trouble. “Our Police Department is doing a great job,” Panetta said. The need for a bylaw When the Saugus segment of the rail trail opened in late 2022, selectmen – including Panetta – began fielding new complaints about dangerous situations involving speeding bicycles and motorized vehicles putting joggers and walkers at risk. Those concerns prompted Panetta to craft an article to create a town bylaw with regulations for the rail trail at this year’s Annual Town Meeting. After hearing a few of the horror stories from residents, including from their own colleagues, Town Meeting members voted unanimously to approve a bylaw that empowers police to regulate activity on the rail trail. Cars, motorcycles, ATV vehicles and other gas-powered vehicles are not allowed on the rail trail. A major feature of the rail trail bylaw approved by Town Meeting is a 15 mph speed limit for motorized vehicles on a multi-use trail, including electric bicycles and electric scooters. The regulations define potential uses and stipulate restrictions. Violations of the ordinance can be punishable by a $100 fine for a first offense and a $250 fine for each additional expense. Police also have the power to tow and store at the owner’s expense any unauthorized vehicles. “Although I walk the rail trail, I do not know the safety statistics since the article was passed,” Panetta told The SauPATROLLING | SEE PAGE 4
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