HOULTON, Maine — Residents of Houlton may have noticed an increased police presence in the Shiretown on Wednesday, June 14, as the Houlton Police Department was out in force reminding motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to obey the law.
According to Houlton Police Chief Tim DeLuca, the department designed the event to remind people of the rules of the road. The stops also involved “vulnerable users,” such as pedestrians walking, bicyclists or those on mopeds/motorcycles.
A bicyclist walks his bike across an intersection in Houlton June 14.
(Joseph Cyr)
“This detail was designed to increase awareness of motorists of the increased accidents involving cyclists and pedestrians,” DeLuca explained. “Contact was also made with cyclists and pedestrians outlining violations and how to better protect themselves. Each motorist/contact was briefed on the purpose of the increased enforcement in hopes to better educate the public and increase public awareness.”
The patrols arose from a statewide initiative, with Houlton joining Auburn, Falmouth, Lewiston, Scarborough, South Portland, Westbrook and York police departments, as well as Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and the Maine State Police.
“We are looking to raise awareness and voluntary compliance for both parties,” said Houlton officer Will Janakis during a patrol.
Houlton police made 29 traffic stops during the day. Of that amount, seven motor vehicle violations were ticketed ranging from failure to yield the right of way, overdue inspection, speed, failure to notify state of address change, operating after suspension, violating conditional release and attachment of false plates.
Additionally, 16 warnings were given during the day. Six warnings were issued for failure to come to a stop at a stop sign. Other warnings included failure to yield to a pedestrian on a crosswalk; failure to yield right of way; seatbelt violation; insurance violation; and inspection violation.
Two warnings were also given to bicyclists under the age of 16 for riding on a public way without a helmet.
In comparison, Auburn police made 36 traffic stops, Falmouth had 11; Lewiston, 23; Scarborough, 31; South Portland 24; Westbrook 21; York, eight; Cumberland County Sheriff’s, 17; and Maine State Police, 57.
Statewide, 257 traffic stops involved motor vehicles and vulnerable users. Motor vehicle violations ranged from speeding, distracted driving, operating after suspension and operating under the influence. Vulnerable users warnings ranged from riding a bicycle against the flow of traffic, youth helmet use and failure to keep right.
