Rocks to Help Deter Rail Trail Scofflaws, Chief Says

An effort is being made to restrict rail trail access for dirt bike and ATV-riders, Hellertown Police Chief Robert Shupp told Borough Council Oct. 15.

Shupp said rocks have been placed at the north end of the trail "at the Hellertown and Bethlehem line," where the path narrows considerably.

Pedestrians will be able to bypass the rocks, "but you couldn't get a four-wheeler through (the barricade)," he said.

The action was taken in response to complaints about people riding dirt bikes and ATVs on the trail, where motorized vehicles are prohibited.

"We're hoping that'll stop it," the chief told council.

Shupp said that if the barricade of boulders doesn't prevent riders from speeding up and down the trail, it might be an indication that they aren't traveling south from Bethlehem.

Rocks were also supposed to be installed at another access point along the trail.

In response to a question from council vice president John Bate, Shupp said the rocks would not affect access to the trail for emergency responders.