Fargo Police Asking for Communities Help on Issues with Youth on Bikes

(Fargo, ND) -- Fargo PD is asking for the pubic's help in getting a message out on safety involving juveniles riding bicycles in city streets. 

This past weekend, on Sunday May 30th, an officer on patrol in downtown saw two juveniles impede traffic and do wheelies in the area of 2nd Avenue North and Broadway. The officer initiated his lights and siren to conduct a traffic stop, and the juveniles fled on their bikes. The officer was able to locate and detain the males after a short foot pursuit. Both males, 15 and 16 years old, both of Fargo, were arrested for refusal to halt and cited for riding their bicycles on sidewalk where prohibited. Their bicycles were impounded.

Last summer and into the fall, the Fargo Police Department received multiple complaints regarding young people riding their bicycles in the roadways, blocking traffic and causing disturbances. In preparation to continued issues from last fall, officers had been advised to document each incident, preferably with a criminal report. The department will work closely with the Juvenile Court system to hold these young people accountable. 

These individuals may be eligible to be cited for failure to obey a traffic control device, bicycle equipment violations (riding a bicycle with no lights at night), failure to obey a traffic signal, careless driving, reckless driving, failure to obey stop signs, disorderly conduct, harassment, criminal mischief, or other offenses the officer deems appropriate.

The department is asking members of our community to contact dispatch at (701) 451-7660 at the time of the incident. If it safe to do so, any video or picture would be beneficial to the case. Each officer will be documenting the incident, so they ask that you allow them to speak with you when you call in, and allow them to identify you as a victim. Last year, a challenge the department faced was the lack of interest in the complainant speaking with the officer or providing identifying information. This is important when filing a criminal report which they hope will put an end to this dangerous behavior.

The Department is committed to ensuring Fargo is a safe and unified community built on trust, accountability, and inclusion. Neighborhood concerns can be communicated to an on-duty supervisor at (701) 241-8175.