Tracy Press

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written by B-dub , April 16, 2008

I agree with your letter that there are too many juveniles riding mini-bikes, dirt bikes, motorized go-peds etc on residential streets. On top of this, most of those contraptions have had their mufflers removed or altered in some way that makes them very loud. The majority of these juveniles are unsupervised by their parents, unlicensed riders, not wearing helmets, the vehicles are unlicensed, they have no brake lights or other lighting devices, and they are traveling too fast for the roadway conditions. This goes on all over the city, not just the affluent community of Elissagary. There are two quotes from your letter that I would like to address, the first being: "The Tracy PD always finds time to send out a motorcycle cop to ticket cars making a safe, but for some reason illegal, left turn from Elissagaray Drive onto Chrisman Road." The no-left-turn that you are talking about was implemented because a survey determined that it would be dangerous for residents exiting onto Chrisman Rd to make a left turn. It's there for your safety. The second quote: "I’ll bet if the mayor called and complained about the same things in his neighborhood, the problem would be solved in one day." There is a simple answer to this, run for mayor (Heaven knows we need a change.), win the election THEN call the police department and see if they give you the same answers they're giving you now or if they immediately drop everything they're doing to catch the rascals illegally riding their motorized scooters.

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written by Formerly Annoyed Tracy Mom , April 16, 2008

We used to have a problem with kids riding dirtbikes and such in our court. My family rides and we would never be so rude. It went on all day long and made it hard for several babies and toddlers on the block to sleep. We kept calling the Tracy PD to come out as did several neighbors. They cought them a few times and warned and/or cited them. After chewing out several officers who told me there was nothing they could do, the code enforcement officer finally discovered it was actually illegal (what as shock, I know), and the cops came out again, gave the family a copy of the statute and told them if they came out again, there would be much more serious consequences. We haven't had a problem since. I know it is a hassle to keep calling the cops out, but do it and be firm with them and you may get some resolution.

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written by B-dub , April 17, 2008

Actually, it IS against the law for any unlicensed rider to operate a go-ped. If you ARE a licensed rider of a go-ped you have to wear a helmet, have front and rear brakes, not ride on the sidewalk or wrong side of the roadway, obey all signs posted for vehicles (yep, that means stopping at stop signs), have lighting, brake lights and turn signals. Now how many of those go-peds have you seen that are equipped this way? If you're having the police tell you that it is not enforceable tell them to contact the CHP for guidelines on go-ped operation.

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written by amy , April 17, 2008

Yes, yes, yes, do wear the helmets, knee pads, elbow pads!!!
Much cheaper and painless to buy those items needed for safety and reduction of injuries from these recreational vehicles.

Spring brings in fresh accidents of missing and torn kneecaps. Parents ought to hear the cries of their children while we prep them for surgery or clean up their wounds?

Don't let your children handle things they are not ready for, no matter how much whining and pleading goes into it!

You are the parents and stronger than them. Teach them respect of other people's properties, rules of sidewalk, roads, off roads, and so on. Use caution wisely at all times. Had to treat several kids with broken neck, backs, head trauma from these recreational vehicles... is it really worth it, NO!

They will forget their disappointments but they will question your wisdom if you give in too soon, (and without these protective gears) when they are adults with scars to show for it?

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written by sayit , April 18, 2008

DOGS-BARKING-DOGS some Tracy residents seem to think that everyone goes to work all day at 4am; so they just leave their dogs out in the yard to BARK ALL day; for those of us who are at home, it is utter insanity to listen to this. It seems every one has a LARGE breed dog. These new homes are not equipped with well built fences. you try and take a walk in the neighborhood and every dog goes nuts and you know they would love to get out and get you. The house, picket fence, two kids, two jobs, and 2 dogs. the American Dream. Wake up dog owners and shut your dogs up!!

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written by amy , April 18, 2008

I have dogs in the neighborhood that would go into barking frenzy whenever they hear the recreational vehicles roaring up and down the street... sigh.. and I work nights!

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written by maybenotdumBcommenT , April 19, 2008

Poor dogs that are left alone all day. I hate people that are selfish and ignorant to their pets and now summer is almost here. They will suffer the heat. If you know of any dogs that don't have shade let Dog pound officers know, and if they don't have water. You can look over your fence, while an officer may not. If you live in a two story house and you can see it let the officer in and then there is the proof. To bad the can't get on the roofs!

Yep, we all have dirt bike-go ped offenders, ARRGH!