Family members of the teenager killed while riding an e-motorcycle in a hit-and-run on Briggs Road are urging the City of Menifee to build an e-bike park to “give them somewhere safe to ride.”
Koa Quintanilla, 15, died Aug. 12 when struck by a vehicle that left the scene. The incident led to increased public discussion about not only traffic safety in general, but the presence of motorized bikes on public roads.
Olivia Murraffo, Koa’s aunt, told Menifee 24/7 that the goal of a petition organized on the website change.org is to encourage the development of a city park reserved strictly for the safe riding of e-bikes.
“Education and enforcement are important, but they cannot be the only answer. If we want our kids to make safer choices, we also need to give them a safe place to go,” states the “Ride for Koa” change.org site.
“In Koa’s memory, we are asking the City of Menifee and our community leaders to explore the creation of a designated youth e-bike park. This would be a place designed for young people to ride, gather, practice their skills, learn responsible riding habits, and build community in an environment created with their safety in mind.”
The proposal includes such suggested park features as:
— Designated riding areas or tracks for different skill and experience levels.
— A safe gathering area for young riders away from busy roadways.
— Skills courses where riders can practice handling, braking, awareness, and responsible riding.
— Helmet, traffic safety, and e-bike education programs.
— Partnerships with local schools, businesses, law enforcement, safety organizations, parents, and young riders.
— Opportunities for the young people who will actually use the park to have a voice in its design.
— A place that encourages community, recreation, responsibility, and respect.
The natural question is, where would there be enough land for such a park, and who would pay for it?
“The City is aware of the property development,” Murraffo told Menifee 24/7. “We have talked to City planning and gotten the land surveyed. We have property in mind that is currently owned by the City so we have been communicating with them accordingly.”
Murraffo did not list possible locations for the park.
“There are several locations that are included within discussion,” she said. “We are still working with the city to determine the best location for a project like this.”
However, City Communications Director Phil Southard said, “There have not been any formal discussions related to a park at this time.”
The City of Menifee has a pump track for BMX bikes in southeast Menifee, but motorized bikes are not allowed.
As of Aug. 26, the online petition had received 108 verified signatures of support. The petition can be accessed online here.
