Not just in Morenci, but in Fayette, also, council meetings have included mention of bicyclist riding on downtown sidewalks.

Fayette is looking toward adopting an ordinance to regulate riders. Morenci has the ordinance, but questions remain how best to enforce it.

Morenci’s ordinance calls for a citation and fine, but the police chief hesitates when faced with handing out tickets to young children. His uncertainty is shared by many. The potential danger from speeding bicyclists exists, but a fine might not be the best solution for a seven-year-old offender.

Perhaps a “friendly” citation could be tried first—a printed warning without a fine attached. Police officers could have the option to move on to the next level for repeat and/or belligerent offenders. As noted at a recent council meeting, not all riders are eight-year-olds. Some are older teens who know their riding style could pose a danger—and they’re not often too courteous when told about the problem.

At least one citizen at the council meeting wants police officers to spend more time patrolling for bikes downtown. We would have to agree with chief Larry Weeks that the time spent by his small force is probably best directed elsewhere.

However, his officers can certainly be directed to pay more attention to problem when they’re out patrolling the city.

Residents can help out, too, by reminding bicyclists of the problem. It’s easy just to express exasperation and be glad you were missed, but that doesn’t help the young cyclist learn about the situation.

Maybe those friendly citations need to be passed around to business owners—if you can run fast enough to catch the offender.