Increased police presence downtown results in a flurry of bicycle traffic stops

Rochester police say the public can expect to see more footbeats downtown. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - Reacting swiftly to public sentiment at Tuesday's selectmen's workshop, Rochester Police on Thursday initiated additional footbeats in the downtown.

The change was indicated to The Rochester Voice on Friday after the newspaper questioned police regarding an unusual spike in traffic stops of bicycles.

Rochester Police Capt. Jason Thomas said the enforcement was nothing specifically aimed at bicyclists, but that the stops had occurred due to officers seeing safety violations.

"We are making a concentrated effort to be more visible in the downtown with the recent concerns that were addressed last Tuesday night at City Hall," Thomas said.

Footbeats were noted on Thursday's police log just after midnight, throughout early to midafternoon and in the 11 p.m. hour.

While on footbeats Thursday afternoon police issued summons to four bicyclists after traffic stops, including a 39-year-old Rochester Hill Road man, two city transients, ages 43 and 34; and a 36-year-old North Main Street woman.

All of those summonsed were charged with application of motor vehicle laws to bicycles. The specific offense was not noted.

The Rochester Voice does not publish names of citizens who are summonsed, only those arrested.

Another downtown footbeat was noted on Thursday's police log around 11 p.m.

Several downtown business owners and residents described deteriorating conditions downtown including anecdotal reports of prostitution, panhandling and drug use during Tuesday's City Council workshop.

One business owner, Shawn Hooper, said the city needed a heavier police presence downtown, maybe a second or even third officer downtown all the time.

"I know it will cost taxpayers money," he said, but reasoned it might help fill some of the vacant buildings because people would feel safer.