111th Precinct Steps Up Bike, Auto Safety Efforts

The 111th Precinct discussed traffic and bicycle safety efforts with Community District Education Council 26 last night following an incident the day before during which a child was struck by a car near an Oakland Gardens school.

There were no serious injuries in the accident, which took place by by P.S. 203, but police are paying special attention to moving and traffic violations near the 35 schools within the Bayside-based precinct.

Lt. Dan Heffernan warned attendees at the meeting, held at M.S. 67 on Marathon Parkway, against breaking parking rules during drop-off and pick-up at local schools.

"If you do, you got a good chance of getting a ticket," he said.

In his 10 years at the 111th Precinct, Lt. Heffernan said has seen two fatal bicycle accidents involving children. In both cases, the youngsters were not wearing helmets. 

Bicyclists under age 16 are required by law to wear a helmet, but they are permitted to ride on a sidewalk, he said. However, it is illegal for anyone above 16 years of age to use their bicycles on sidewalks. 

The 111th Precinct offers free flyers on bicycle safety. The tips include the following:

• Ride on the right side and in the same direction as vehicular traffic
• Stay far enough from the curb in order to properly react to a parked car suddenly pulling out from a spot or a door swinging open
• Never carry another person on your bicycle
• Always give pedestrians the right of way
• Make sure your helmet fits properly
• Make sure your tires are inflated and your brakes work
• Always enter a street at the corner and never between parked cars
• Wear bright clothes or something that reflects light when riding at night.

Lt. Heffernan also mentioned a recent spike in graffiti, saying: "It's back with a vengeance."

Marijuana is considered a "gateway drug" because it often leads to stronger narcotics and graffiti is considered a "gateway crime" because it often leads to more serious felonies, Heffernan said.

He asked those present to pay special attention to youths who cover their school notebooks with graffiti, as it's often a sign that they are illegally scribbling their "tags" in public spaces as well.

"It's a notoriety thing," he said.

Heffernan said that youths between the ages 11 and 16 who are nabbed for graffiti are tried in family court, but vandals over age 16 go to criminal court and face jail time.