As swarms of bicyclists continue to flagrantly disregard the rules of the road, putting motorists and themselves in jeopardy, Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell has proposed a ban on all bicycle and race events on town roads during the height of the summer season.
The ban, if approved, would be in place from May 1 to October 1.
“What would a work session be without kicking the hornet’s nest?” Russell said.
The supervisor said the blanket prohibition on running and bicycling events would help to put the brakes on the escalating problem, as bicyclists ride three and four abreast, running red lights and putting the public in danger.
The supervisor said races could be allowed in the fall and winter months. “I realize there are a number of popular events that will be affected but they may need to change their model a bit, with no swimming and have them off season. They’re popular but need to take place at a time that’s not inconveniencing people and risking safety,” Russell said.
Earlier this month, Southold Town Police Chief Martin Flatley addressed the town board to say that now, two years after the Southold Town board adopted a policy that only not-for-profit 5ks, bike and road races would be allowed on town roads, the problem is worsening.
In recent weeks, Flatley said, riders participating in certain events have been involved in accidents; others have blatantly put themselves at risk, one race participant even standing alone, directing traffic on Route 48, while cars whizzed by at 50 miles per hour.
Russell said the problem is that although the board adopted a policy in May, 2013, stating that only not-for-profit bicycle and 5K races would be allowed on town roads, as it stands now, some might make a partial donation to a charity, but that’s not the sole purpose for the event.
“I don’t know if our roads can support it anymore,” Flatley said. “The number one complaint we get now is about bicyclists on the roads, riding four or five abreast, not following the rules of the road.”
Russell said today that while the current policy was created to promote public health, safety and welfare, “we don’t have the ability to provide public safety during these events, and they take place during our busiest season.”
The sheer number of race participants, between 600 and 800, is too much for the police department to regulate during the height of the season.
“You need police and it’s an expensive proposition,” Russeoll said. “It’s not just enforcing the rules, it’s ensuring there’s safety for everyone. The logistics are just too difficult at the height of the season.”
Russell reminded that the existing policy should also remain in place, with only not-for-profit events allowed on town roads, not “a private organization looking to hook a wagon to a charity but putting the logo of a charity on their ad and charging a $175 event fee.”
In addition, participants should know the rules of the road.
Councilwoman Jill Doherty said the town needs to stop waiving event fees; even not-for-profit events cost the town funds for cleanup and other issues and leave taxpayers bearing the burden.
A code committee discussion on the issue will be scheduled, Russell said.
