South San Francisco, CA October 24, 2022
Very few things compare with the feeling of freedom kids can have while riding their bikes, the world opens up and it’s a great way to spend time with friends, outdoors, off of devices, and enjoying physical activity. However, we really need to remind our kids of safety procedures when out on our public roads. Everything South City has received numerous videos and messages from concerned neighbors when they witness our kids behaving in a way that might jeopardize their safety and the safety of others.
We received this current video with this message from our neighbor who has requested to remain anonymous. Please remember, the concern is the the kids safety – so please help educate them when you can. Street lights were on so this was in the evening when visibility might be tougher, especially with dark colored clothing. Also it appears no helmets were being worn, which is something we have witnessed in other videos and photos sent to us, including those kids intimidating drivers in the Orange Memorial Park parking lot a while back.
Our neighbor who sent this video HERE shares their experience below:
‘I saw last time you posted a video of some kids ridding bikes on the street, and last night on my way home I noticed some kids doing the same in ssf. They wouldn’t move to the side and also they were getting in front of the cars that were coming on the opposite side.
They did that like 3 times as soon as they saw a car coming their way. This kept happening all the way from the 7eleven on Mission Road, Commercial Avenue until Orange Park
On Railroad is when they started getting in front of the other vehicles. I worry for their safety.’
In addition, while it was a nice gesture from our City to gift free bikes to selected youth, we need to ensure all our local kids know the safety rules of the road. This might be a good topic to bring up in the classroom. And it would be a great idea if the ‘free’ bikes were offered to those who had done something to ‘work for them’, perhaps reading to younger students, helping a neighbor, or another activity that could be accomplished with some effort.
That feeling of freedom on a new bike is amazing, but so is that feeling of having earned something – to say ‘Hey I did that!’
Let’s not rob them of that experience.
These kids have no idea. They are reckless and have no respect for the road. I have had my experience with these “rough riders” that prompted me to call SSFPD.
They block traffic when they ride through Old Mission Rd. The other night they were riding in front of a SamTrans bus ignoring traffic safety. Really, these guys are knuckle heads that will get into trouble. What’s the point of doing wheelies on the BIG RIPPER bikes on the streets of SSF, if all they’re doing is causing havoc on our streets. I see these punks all the time at Orange Park. What’s the deal!
I have experienced this twice. Once was going up the hill btwn the Boys Club and El Camino. It was at dark outside and they slowed all the traffic behind them to maybe 5 miles an hour. The 2nd time was worse. It was on El Camino starting by See’s Candy. Far more traffic and dangerous for both the bike riders and motorists. Someone is going to get hurt if this continues.
our wonderful youth. bunch of s-heads. no respect for anyone.
They aren’t worried about their safety . They know exactly what they’re doing.