Chief Issues Reminder: Dismount Bikes at Trail Crossings

Hellertown Police Chief Robert Shupp issued a safety reminder to Saucon Rail Trail users--and specifically bike riders--at Borough Council's June 20 meeting.

Shupp said he is concerned because officers have observed riders failing to dismount their bicycles at designated rail trail crossings at Water and Walnut streets in the borough, even though signs indicate that they should do so.

"It's not just kids. We've seen adults do it, too," he said. "They just zoom right across the road."

Both roads are heavily traveled and crossing them requires pedestrians to use caution, he added.

"(The rail trail) is a great thing, but we'd hate to see something happen because they don't get off the bike to go across the street," Shupp told council.

In a related discussion, council member John Bate said speed humps should be installed as traffic calming devices on both Water and Walnut, near the rail trail crossings.

The Walnut Street speed hump could be installed without a permit from PennDOT, but the state agency's permission will be required to install one on Water Street because it is a state road, Borough Engineer Bryan Smith said.

"We would have to follow the PennDOT standard" for a speed hump, which will dictate the height, length and width of the device, he told council.

Council President Phil Weber said cost estimates for the work will be discussed at council's next meeting.