COUNCIL BLUFFS — Law enforcement officials have issued a reminder to keep bicycles and skateboards out of Bayliss Park.
The so-far mild winter has permitted bicycle riding, and Council Bluffs Community Affairs Officer Mark Alba said at least two teens were cited this week for violating a city code prohibiting bicycles in Bayliss Park and on surrounding public property.
Alba also said a "skateboard-free zone" is an area bordered by Seventh Street on the west and First Street, Pierce Street and Bluffs Street on the east, stretching from Kanesville Boulevard to 16th Avenue.
The municipal code says "no person, while on publicly owned property within the skateboard-free zone, shall ride upon or move about upon skateboards, roller blades, roller skates, scooters or bicycles."
Alba said, "In the zone, there are no bicycles or skateboards allowed on sidewalks. However, you can ride bicycles in the street as long as you follow all traffic laws."
The ordinance was passed in 2002 to save potential damage to public property and to keep the areas safe.
"A lot of people use the park; we don't want people being run into or run over," Alba said. "We are just trying to keep everybody safe."
Two teens, ages 17 and 16, were cited Monday after complaints about riding their bicycles in the park.
The citations are simple misdemeanors, which carry a maximum $500 fine.
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