*** Skate Parks To Allow BMX Bikers ***

Monroe, MI --
Bikes soon will be able to share use of the
City of Monroe's two skateparks with skate
boarders and in-line skaters - but not at the
same time.

The city plans to put up signs explaining the new
policy, and new entryways will be created to
accommodate bikes better. However, bikes that
have axle pegs won't be allowed, city officials have
decided.

The issue had been raised by BMX bikers who
complained that they unfairly were being banished
from the skateparks at Munson Park and near the
Monroe Multi-Sports Complex.

The bikers began a dialogue about the matter on the
Monroe Talks discussion board (www.monroetalks.com),
and Councilman Brian Beneteau took note. Some of the
youth then appeared before city council two weeks ago
and argued their case.

After discussing the liability issues involved, the city agreed
Monday to change the policy. The city concluded that it
would have no additional liability if appropriate signs were
erected and bikers and skaters used the park separately.

Tentative plans are for bikers to be allowed at the
Munson skatepark four days a week and at the ice
arena three days a week on alternating days.

Bicycles with axle pegs will not be allowed due to the
potential greater damage to the ramps - a restriction
that probably won't please some of the bikers.

City Manager George Brown said it
was an acceptable accommodation.

"We hope this turns out to be nothing but a good decision,"
he said.

But Nora Young, a Conant Ave. resident, said she didn't
think bikes and skateboards should co-exist at the parks.

She said many of the bikers who use the skatepark near
the ice arena "smoke and cuss" and scare off the younger
kids who want to use the facility to skateboard.

"I don't understand why you don't want bikes downtown,
but you want them on a small area with 7- and 8-year-olds,"
she told the city council Monday night. "Younger children see
those bikers and they leave."

She said some of the bikers use foul language.

"It's like they're getting paid to cuss," she said.

But Will Maloche, a BMX biker,
said that's not the group he hangs out with.

"We don't smoke and we don't cuss," he said.

Mayor C.D. (Al) Cappuccilli told Mr. Maloche to spread
word that misbehavior at the skateparks "will ruin it for everyone."