Westown Block Watch

Here we go again, some not-so-wise parents gave go-peds to their kids for Christmas. Every day and night since it has been go-ped hell. They start running around 10am and go until after midnight. These wonderful boys are cruising 31st Ave. between Cactus and Larkspur. Please print the laws in next months newsletter once again. I know that you've printed it several times, but for some reason these parents continue to buy these things. My family is tired of being woke up by full throttle go-peds.

Here is what you do!

Do you want control of your neighborhood or are you going to remain anonymous and do nothing? If they are under 14 it is against the law anytime. If they are not wearing protective headgerar helmet, eyewear it is against the law. If they do not have a notorized note with all the proper wording it is against the law. If they are riding it when it is dark (The sun is not out) It is against the law. If they are riding it on the street it is against the law. If they are riding it on the sidewalk it is against the law. If you see any of the above happening and you do not call the police shame on you. If you call the police whenever you see it happenning good for you! If you ignore it it will not go away. Talk to your neighbors , There is a good chance that they are sick of it too. Then all of you should call the police. There are power in numbers. If you have names and know they are under 14 call the police and if that doesn't work e-mail me and I will help you. Whatever you do, Do something!

By Bob Beletz

Tired of them too

So, I am not the only one in my neighbor tired of the go peds. After reading Mr. Beletz response I have to say, yes some of the children look to be under 14, and they do not wear protection for thier eyes or head, yes they do ride after dark and on the street, as for the note, I havent tried to stop one of them and ask. Now as far as calling the police, honestly, I dont think that my complaint will do anything. It would take a good amonut of time for the police to respond to this problem and then tell you they have to catch the children in the act. The police in this city are overworked and understaffed. In time of real emergency they can be here in a matter of minutes but for a problem such as this it ranks low on things to do. But I will take your advice and start calling crime stop when they buzz by my house.

Go-Ped Police

I, like you hate to call the police for what seems constitutes mostly an aggravation. But if we do not, then nothing will change. You are right, the police are understaffed, overworked and under appreciated but the police themselves (most of them) will tell you to call. You can just report it to Crime Stop and let them know that you are not requesting an officer. Eventually with the amount of complaints, they will station officers to do some patrols. After a few traffic tickets (which the parents have to pay), maybe they will make sure their kids are obeying the
laws. It seems to me that this boils down to the same situation we have with the punks in Westown Park, when you make it inconvient for the kids they move on. When you make it inconvient for the police, they address the situation.

By Angela