Police: Zero Bike Race Citations; Neighbors: It's Getting Better

Editor's Note: An earlier version inaccurately cited information from a NewsWorks story involving the Friday night court. It has since been corrected.

Walking down a random Manayunk or Roxborough street Sunday afternoon during the Philadelphia International Cycling Championship, there certainly were instances of open containers and loud music playing. However, there also existed families taking in the race, owners walking pets and casual people just enjoying a Sunday.

Rachel Wexler grew up attending the race and is now a homeowner in the area. 

"It got out of control in a lot of years. It was a big deal. (This year) was the least, out-of-control it has ever been," she said.

She said that although the party house on her block was loud but it wasn't out of control.

Police Presence

, Philadelphia Police, State Troopers and the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Broad maintained a presence wherever you went Sunday. The LCB and the flyers to houses in the race area leading up to the event warning of advanced enforcement.

Although NewsWorks.org reported a night court tried 22 cases Friday, with 17 guilty verdicts and four found guilty in absentia, the said no citations were issued or arrests made Sunday. Further, that court was related to prior incidents—nothing that happened at the time.

"It was a wonderful race. I thought everyone was well behaved, and of the minimal intervention that we had, everything was received well," Philadelphia Police Captain John Cerrone said.

The captain walked the course's perimeter. He said he took a more "hands on" role with his assigned officers this year to "make sure they knew what our agenda held."

For example, if people were spilling off their property and into the sidewalk, blocking passage, officers interceded before an altercation could occur. 

"Maybe if a woman came along with a stroller or walking an animal, we were making sure that the crowds were respectful and aware of the area," he said.

Out in the Streets

A lack of citations hardly means people were teetotalers Sunday. Nearly every praise possessed a qualifier around the theme "It's getting better" and that work could be still be done.

People tweeted, posted on forums or emailed problems they experienced. They also used social media to post positively.

Andrew Bantly, president of the Wissahickon Neighbors Civic Association and member of the Roxborough/Manayunk Bike Race Committee, reported neutral to positive feedback.

"I know I saw lot more families then we ever saw. Parties were more contained," he said.

One Roxborough business owner and resident said the mid-afternoon rain helped cool off the partying, as well.

Executive Director of the , Jane Lipton said she witnessed the tamest ever Main Street on bike race day.

"There was far less drinking then I've ever seen. There were tons of family, and it just seemed better," she said.

In 2010, for example, Lipton said it surprised her how few people she recognized, as many people avoided the race. "This past Sunday, I talked to so many people I know."