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Guy traveling 30 mph on motorized bicycle down Main Street sidewalk, Batavia

By Billie Owens

A man is reportedly riding a motorized two-wheel bicycle on the sidewalk on Main Street in the City of Batavia. When the caller reported this he was near Burger King. Watch out pedestrians. The guy is going about 30 mph.

Upon getting the report the cop says: "Oh kay," with some hesitation.

The dispatcher replies: "I know what you mean."

He's toting a light-brown backpack on his back. He's white. But he was easily spotted by police, all descriptions aside.

Two days ago the same guy was seen, by me, on Maple Street (actual street).

UPDATE 12:35 p.m.: The bicyclist is having a chat with an officer about his travel plans.

Jeremiah Pedro

He shouldn't be riding on the sidewalks that's for sure. Does anyone know if there is any regulations on motor driven bicycles here in Batavia or in NY state?

Sep 7, 2011, 12:54pm Permalink
Vicki Newton

I saw him a few weeks ago flying down the sidewalk on East Main right before Elm and he was zipping through pedestrians like they were cones in an obstacle course.
Doesn't seem very concerned about safety at all.

I believe bike riding is allowed on city sidewalks, but motorized bikes I'm not sure about. Especially if they can reach the legal speed limit.

Sep 7, 2011, 2:16pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Section 159-2 of the city code:

A. No person shall ride a bicycle on a sidewalk except a bicycle having solid tires and designed for and used by preteenage children, or except to cross same.

B. No person shall drive a motorcycle or motor vehicle upon any sidewalk except as permitted by Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1225-a.

Sep 7, 2011, 2:25pm Permalink
Wendy Morse

One of my biggest pet peeves is the people riding their bicycles on the sidewalks who shouldn't be. Right along with that are the ones who do ride in the street but fail to follow the laws of traffic. Just because your on a bike doesn't mean you don't have to stop for a stop sign or red light. And the majority of those people are adults, not children. I'm always lecturing my own children that you ride with traffic and follow the laws like a car.

Sep 7, 2011, 4:51pm Permalink
Billie Owens

When I saw him, and he is a grownup, he was zipping along on the wrong side of the roadway going against traffic. That ride of his is noisy, too.

Sep 7, 2011, 6:29pm Permalink
Bob Price

Next time you see him flying down the sidewalk-grab a broomstick.........I rarely see bicyclists in Batavia following the rules anyway-texting w/ both hands ON PHONE,riding toward traffic,riding on sidewalks,no helmets on kids,blowing through red lights and intersections,whether they have the right of way or not,failing to signal.......

Sep 7, 2011, 6:32pm Permalink

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