Police Chief Talks Bicycles and Homelessness

Troy's Police Chief Shawn McKinney spends time addressing council on pressing issues

This past Monday’s City Council meeting in Troy, not only had a well attended public hearing which this publication recently dove into, but it also featured a lengthy presentation from the city’s Police Chief, Shawn McKinney. Chief McKinney discussed important issues regarding bicycle and e-bike regulations, enforcement difficulties, and homelessness in the city. His insights shed light on the challenges of regulating cycles and scooters while ensuring public safety here in the community.

Chief McKinney began by explaining the city's comprehensive bicycle regulations, which have undergone significant updates. The regulations now include classifications for e-bikes and various micromobility devices, although the Chief acknowledged that these definitions can be confusing for many residents. In regard to cycling in general, city ordinances specify that individuals aged 12 and older must ride in the street and follow all traffic laws, while those under 12 are allowed to ride on sidewalks. However, riding on sidewalks is prohibited in downtown areas where pedestrian traffic is heavy, no matter the age of the rider.

The chief emphasized that bicycles must obey the same traffic laws as motor vehicles. This means cyclists are required to stop at stop signs, yield the right of way, and stop at red lights. However, he pointed out that there are gaps in the Ohio Revised Code that can create confusion. For example, it is unclear whether a cyclist illegally riding on a sidewalk while crossing at a crosswalk should be treated as a bicyclist or a pedestrian. In such cases, the police often seek guidance from legal advisors, such as the city’s Law Director, Grant Kerber.

Despite having these regulations in place, Chief McKinney highlighted the challenges of enforcement. He noted that many residents are unaware of the rules governing bicycle and scooter use, particularly regarding age limits for sidewalk riding. This lack of awareness has led to numerous complaints about these individuals not stopping at intersections or riding recklessly. The chief mentioned two recent incidents involving scooters where riders failed to obey traffic signals, resulting in accidents.

One significant concern raised during the presentation was the issue of motorized bicycles, especially those converted to use gasoline power. These vehicles often fall into a legal gray area; they cannot be operated on streets or sidewalks due to safety regulations. Chief McKinney recounted instances where officers encountered these vehicles being used improperly, leading to citations.

The chief also discussed equipment regulations for e-bikes, which require proper lighting for nighttime riding. While these regulations exist both at the state and local levels, compliance is not widespread among riders. He noted that many cyclists and scooter users do not use lights at night, which poses safety risks for themselves and others.

A major theme of Chief McKinney's presentation was the need for better public education regarding bicycle regulations. He acknowledged that many families with children are unaware of the rules about sidewalk riding in downtown areas. Although the police department has tried to use social media to spread awareness, these efforts have sometimes met with negative feedback from residents who feel strongly about their right to ride wherever they choose.

The chief provided context by sharing statistics on traffic enforcement in Troy. As of this year, officers have conducted over 550 traffic stops and issued nearly 1,500 citations alongside almost 4,000 warnings. This data highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to address traffic violations but also underscores the challenges faced in changing behavior among those using alternative transportation, such as bicycles and scooters.

Towards the end of his presentation, Chief McKinney briefly addressed homelessness-related issues in Troy. He described recent operations where officers collaborated with local property owners to identify and address small camps set up by individuals experiencing homelessness. The chief emphasized that these were typically single-person camps rather than larger encampments.

The chief also emphasized that the department is working with nonprofit organizations and mental health agencies to help those that are experiencing homelessness. Sometimes those that are homeless are simply in a temporary situation, while others are in a situation that is more chronic. Chief McKinney also stated that in those situations where it is warranted, the Police will “pink slip” individuals that are in a mental health crisis to a local hospital for a 72-hour hold.

Additionally, he mentioned incidents of panhandling and how officers have worked with local businesses to address concerns related to individuals begging for money in certain areas. In one case, officers encountered individuals claiming to be from out of state who were asked to leave a business property after complaints were made.

Overall, Chief McKinney's presentation offered a thorough overview of the challenges faced by the Troy Police Department in managing bicycle use and addressing homelessness. His remarks highlighted the complex relationship between safety concerns, public education efforts, and practical difficulties in enforcing regulations. As Troy continues to navigate these issues, Chief McKinney's insights provide a foundation for ongoing discussions about improving urban mobility and public safety within the community.

What Do You Think?

Can the City do a better job of communicating bicycle regulations in our community? Should the City emphasize better enforcement of these rules? Have you encountered cyclists downtown? Our paid subscribers are more than welcome to leave their ideas and insights in the comment thread!

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