Danvers Police To Host Bicycle Rodeo, E-Bike Checks Amid Recent Incidents

DANVERS, MA — Danvers police are inviting youth, teens and their families to the annual Bicycle Rodeo amid ongoing concerns about bike-riding and e-bike behavior in the town.

The event will be from 9 to 11 a.m. on July 25 at the Danvers Municipal Lot on Hobart Street.

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This year's event will focus on bicycle safety for riders using traditional bikes and e-bikes.

• Rash Of Danvers Youth Incidents Cause 'Frustration, Concern And Hurt'

The morning will include a bicycle safety course and free bicycle helmets while supplies last. The department also said bike technicians from Western Cycle will be on site to provide basic tune-ups during the event.

Police are also introducing a new feature this year for e-bike riders. Residents can bring an e-bike for a Massachusetts E-Bike Compliance Check, where officers will help determine whether the bike meets Massachusetts requirements and answer questions about safe and legal operation.

The event is also set to include music, food and raffle prizes.

Community partners and event sponsors include Texas Roadhouse, Danvers Kiwanis Club, Target Danvers and Western Cycle.

Danvers leaders recently pledged added law enforcement and made a plea for community action after what they called a series of "disruptive and disorderly," "racist" and "antisemitic" incidents that they said have caused "understandable frustration, concern and hurt within our community."

Town Manager Jill Cahill, Police Chief James Lovell and Superintendent Dan Bauer issued a joint statement after an increase in reports of youth on bicycles and e-bikes harassing residents and businesses, as well as leaving hate-based vandalism and graffiti.

"These actions do not reflect the values of respect, responsibility, inclusion, and civic pride that define our town," the statement said. "While many of these concerns involve a relatively small number of individuals, their impact on residents, businesses, and the broader community is significant and cannot be ignored."

Officials said that, while the incidents should not be an indictment of all of the town's young people, action is clearly needed in the form of a coordinated response from law enforcement, the schools and parents.

"The Danvers Police Department is increasing enforcement related to traffic violations, unsafe bicycle and e-bike operation, vandalism, trespassing, and other unlawful behavior," the statement said.