'Something bad can happen.' Stratford police increasing staff for 'Bike Rideout' planned for this weekend
Chief Dominguez is warning those participating that they could face strong penalties for speeding, failing to obey traffic signals and any other illegal and dangerous activity.
As towns and cities try to crack down on illegal street takeovers, Stratford police is closely monitoring a "Bike Rideout" event set to take place in part of town this Saturday afternoon.
A widely circulating social media post hints at the event starting somewhere near Penders Field.
The post says it will move through town and end somewhere in Bridgeport.
“What we don’t want is for the safety of themselves, the community, and our officers to be put in a position where something bad can happen," says Stratford Police Chief Renee Dominguez.
Chief Dominguez says the department will be increasing staff on Saturday.
She's warning those participating that they could face strong penalties for speeding, failing to obey traffic signals and any other illegal and dangerous activity.
"Not being able to get to an emergency if there are a large number of bikes blocking the road," says Chief Dominguez. "Quads' are not supposed to be on city roads."
Some residents believe the majority of riders follow the rules of the road, but they want everybody to be safe.
“A lot of them are kids," Loraynna Russo says. "I worry mostly for them, and obviously other traffic."
“As long as they’re following the rules," Jennifer Armistead says. "As long as they’re not being a nuisance to the neighbors, then I think it will be okay."
