Falls Church officials say it’s time to double down on off-roading moped riders who are reportedly zooming around some of the city’s parks and sidewalks.
At the June 8 City Council meeting, Hardi pointed to concerns raised by residents about young people’s scooter use in several areas, notably Cherry Hill Park. Crackdown efforts have so far proved unsuccessful.
“They’re actually riding through Cherry Hill pretty flagrantly,” Hardi said. “It’s not even just on streets and trails, but just literally through the park, back and forth, weaving around people. The police have not been able to catch them.”
She added:
“Now that school’s out and kids have more free time, we’ll probably see more prevalence of this. I’m worried not only about the kids’ safety — because they’re often riding without helmets, two on a bike, going high speed — but everyone else trying to use parks and trails and sidewalks.”
Council members did not give City Manager Wyatt Shields specific direction on the subject, but he said efforts would be made to address the issue.
“We will continue to work it,” Shields said.
Council member Arthur Agin said the problem seemed concentrated rather than widespread.
“I’ve seen them several times,” he said of the scooter riders. “I suspect it’s one set of kids.”
