By LYNETTE HAALAND, Four Points News
In recent months, a growing number of residents have voiced concerns over teens and preteens riding electric bikes through playgrounds and trails in Steiner Ranch, particularly in and around John Simpson Park. Community leaders are seeking solutions – one idea is putting a fence around the park.
A small group of youths—estimated to be around 10 or 12—are drawing complaints for unsafe behavior and property damage, shared Steven Stancey, vice president of Steiner Ranch Residential Owners Association.
The SRROA is hearing about such encounters more and more, especially over the past couple of years. Reports include e-bikes darting in and out of pedestrian trails, tearing up grass, speeding through John Simpson Park, and performing stunts on nearby streets such as Steiner Ranch Boulevard.
“The problem is still there. It’s not getting better, it’s actually getting worse,” Stancey said.
One recent incident involved a boy on an e-bike who was riding around the playground. A mom with her young children confronted the boy. Instead of leaving, the boy on the e-bike “turned his bike around, held the brake down and gunned it, spraying her with mulch,” Stancey said. “She’s not the only one. We’ve had issues with that at the playground.”
Beyond physical safety, there’s also concern about the community atmosphere. Reports include teens or preteens shouting profanities at passersby and exhibiting aggressive behavior toward younger children. “A few are bullying other kids, and they scream things like ‘F you’ as they pass by,” said Stancey, who is hearing about these things from residents.
The SRROA has captured some incidents on video, but identifying the individuals responsible remains difficult. Riders often wear similar clothing and ride nearly identical bike models—none of which require licensing. “They all look the same, dress the same, and ride the same model bikes,” Stancey said.
There was an instance over the winter when someone called the police about e-bike riders doing something against the rules. The officer happened to be patrolling nearby and spotted the group of riders and flipped on his lights. The kids bolted and the officer caught at least one of them, he shared.
Law enforcement can be a deterrent but that’s not always feasible. Hiring security patrols has been suggested but “that makes me nervous,” Stancey said.
The HOA has discussed other potential deterrents, including physical barriers like a fence around John Simpson Park. The front could be an attractive split level fence and chain link behind the basketball courts, he said.
“I absolutely don’t want to put up a fence,” Stancey said. “It’s very expensive, and I hate spending money just to deal with this.”
Other deterrents at the park could be creating ravines and/or placing boulders at entry points but some of those spots are also easements for service trucks.
“What we want is for them (the e-bike riders) to stay off the playground.” Stancey said. “I’d love to see the parents step and say we’re going to take care of this but it’s not happening.”
Stancey is glad kids are outside and away from screens but when their activity affects the safety of others, that’s when something needs to be done.
The SRROA reached out to the trails committee, the mountain bike club and residents who are non-bikers. “We’ve invited residents to help brainstorm solutions during a recent HOA meeting. One of the responses was: ‘It’s not our job to come up with solutions,’” Stancey said.
Despite the challenges, the board remains focused on trying to solve the problem. Residents are encouraged to email suggestions to the SRROA through the manager jim.smitherman@goodwintx.com or attend board meetings and share ideas on possible solutions.
“We all have to come together,” Stancey said.