City officials and the Peabody Police Department are actively working to enforce rules regarding dirt bikes and four wheelers on the South Peabody Trail, according to comments made by Ward 1 City Councilor Craig S. Welton at a recent City Council meeting.
Welton said he has spoken to Peabody Police Capt. Scott Richards, and that they are continuing to find ways to make sure that everyone using the South Peabody Trail is safe.
“It’s challenging, you can’t exactly chase someone on a dirt bike or four wheeler for numerous safety issues not only for that individual but for the police officers as well,” Welton said. “So it’s a challenge that they’re working with.”
Councilor-at-Large Ryan Melville said that as a frequent walker on the trail, he sees that the dirt bikes and four wheelers are “extraordinarily aggressive and dangerous.”
Melville said he also spoke to officials at the Police Department, and added that there are property damages in the area.
“If you notice, the fence surrounding the reservoir has been damaged,” Melville said. “There’s property damage to the Little League Baseball Field, some graffiti issues.”
Melville then recommended using technology such as cameras to aid with the enforcement of the rules.
“We’re now at a time where you could have some camera action covering that public area…to aid us,” Melville said.
Melville added that the problem has also resulted in conflicts between residents and the people riding the dirt bikes.
“I’m glad to hear that Councilor Welton is on it as well, and I’m going to continue to push for it as well,” Melville said.
