The Friday Flyer | Citizens tell of July 4th safety issues

July 4th (Marissa Burke)

Citizens tell of July 4th safety issues

Residents concerned about their safety after the recent July 4th holiday weekend, where several incidents were encountered, made their presence felt at Monday’s Canyon Lake Property Owners Association meeting. Members lined up, both in person and online, to address the Board of Directors at the meeting in the Lodge Holiday Bay Room.

Members eagerly signed up to address the board and express their worries about the safety of the Canyon Lake community. In response to the numerous safety concerns raised, another meeting has been scheduled for Monday at the Holiday Bay Room.

The incidents that occurred on July 4th heightened the anxieties of many Canyon Lakers, evident from the substantial turnout at the meeting. Those addressing the board voiced their concerns regarding the safety of the residents themselves and the influx of visitors to the lake during the holiday weekend.

Additionally, several spoke of the dangerous trends of those riding e-bikes on the streets. They said they are worried about children riding in the middle of the streets without helmets and performing dangerous stunts like wheelies. E-bikes can reach speeds faster than golf carts, which adds to the safety concerns.

To address these concerns, the Canyon Lake Fire Department has provided residents with a set of tips to follow and share with their children regarding e-bikes.

Brianna Hemsley, the fire department’s executive assistant/analyst, emphasized the importance of recent posts regarding e-bikes and shared links for residents to access information on e-bike rules. The tips include learning hand signals to communicate with drivers and fellow cyclists, ensuring bikes have front and rear lights as well as reflective stickers, and mandating helmet use for all bicycle and electric bicycle riders under 17 in California.

Additionally, residents were advised to use reflective lights on the front and back of their e-bikes to enhance visibility and to pay attention to traffic.

City officials present at the meeting echoed the concerns expressed by the Canyon Lake POA and residents. It is apparent that there is unanimous agreement on the need for new guidelines regarding guests and safety measures. Several valuable suggestions were put forth by residents during the meeting. In response, the city issued a press release declaring their intention to identify and implement stricter enforcement measures to combat driving under the influence (DUI) and other unlawful and hazardous vehicular behaviors in the community.

This decision was prompted by significant public safety concerns raised by residents, particularly during large holiday weekends. Accordingly, the City of Canyon Lake recent press release, the city is working with its local law enforcement team, the Lake Elsinore Sheriff‘s Station, to prioritize public safety and safeguard lives within the community.

City of Canyon Lake Mayor Jeremy Smith emphasized that driving under the influence is illegal regardless of whether one is driving a car, golf cart, or an e-bike.

For information on how to speak or attend the meeting on Monday in person or online go to the Canyon Lake POA website or facebook page for more detailed information. The Special Open Session Board Meeting Workshop will take place on Monday at 6:00 p.m. at the Lodge.

Although the vast majority of those crowding the beaches over the Fourth of July were peaceful and cooperative with each other, several issues broke out where Canyon Lake families were concerned for their safety, according to comments expressed at the Canyon Lake POA Board Meeting Monday. Another followup workshop on the topic will take place Monday. Photo by Aprile DeAnne McKinnon