Manayunk expects bike race fans on their best behavior

Summary: The annual Philadelphia Pro Cycling Championship is this weekend -- an event filled with good racing, tons of participants, and, oh, the rowdy spectators. The city unveils how it will deal with this.CAPTION -- (From Left) Manayunk Development Corporation Exective Dirctor, Jane Lipton is speaking to the reporters with Don Simon (community Organizer for Manayunk ,Roxboro Bike race) and Kevin Smith (President of Manayunk Neighborhood Council) at corner of Lyceum and Manayunk Ave. on May 29, 2012.( AKIRA SUWA / Staff Photographer )
Summary: The annual Philadelphia Pro Cycling Championship is this weekend -- an event filled with good racing, tons of participants, and, oh, the rowdy spectators. The city unveils how it will deal with this.CAPTION -- (From Left) Manayunk Development Corporation Exective Dirctor, Jane Lipton is speaking to the reporters with Don Simon (community Organizer for Manayunk ,Roxboro Bike race) and Kevin Smith (President of Manayunk Neighborhood Council) at corner of Lyceum and Manayunk Ave. on May 29, 2012.( AKIRA SUWA / Staff Photographer )
By Michael Hinkelman and Daily News Staff Writer
Posted: May 30, 2012

PARTY ANIMALS beware: Government, business and community leaders in Manayunk said Tuesday they will have a "zero tolerance" policy in effect for the Philadelphia International Cycling Championships on Sunday.

Officials with the Manayunk Development Corporation, Philadelphia Police Department, Councilman Curtis Jones’ office and the Manayunk/Roxborough Bike Race Committee said increased enforcement last year against rowdy and drunken behavior helped improve the atmosphere for residents and families and additional enforcement is planned for this year.

Officials said the neighborhoods adjacent to the "Manayunk Wall" — a steep, half-mile stretch of Leverington Street and Lyceum Avenue — had been overrun by people hell-bent on alcohol-induced rowdiness. since the inception of the annual cycling race.

Many homes in the area have become rental properties for college students who have used the race as an excuse to throw parties that inevitably spilled out into neighboring streets.

"We realize it will take more than one year of consistent enforcement and public messaging to make sure the race is an event that can be enjoyed by all," said Don Simon, founder of bike race committee and a Manayunk resident.

Police said public drunkenness and urination, underage drinking and rowdiness would result in arrests, if that’s what’s necessary to maintain a "family-friendly atmosphere."

"We want people to have a good time but when things get out of control and it affects peaceful tranquillity, then that becomes a matter for the police," said Lt. Michael Payne.

Officials said that in addition to stepped-up enforcement by Philadelphia uniformed and plainclothes officers, enforcement personnel from the city’s Department of Licenses & Inspections, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Liquor Control Board will also monitor ace-related activities throughout Manayunk and Roxborough.

Contact Michael Hinkelman at 215-854-2656 or hinkelm@phillynews.com or follow on Twitter @MHinkelman.

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