Vandals Tear Down New Cycling Safety Signs in OKC

Colleen Chen, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Oklahoma City workers began installing signs to promote cycling in October, but vandals have torn down some of the new signs. The destruction has the cycling community concerned.

"Whoever did this targeted only the bicycle signs and left the other signs alone. Clearly, this person has some anger towards cyclists," said cyclist Mike Flenniken.

Flenniken and his wife, Talesa, lead a cycling group called Team Bike Buddies. The newly installed signs mark bike paths in Oklahoma City and remind drivers that cyclists have the right to the road. The signs say "Bicycles Use Full Lane."

The signs are slated to mark about 200 miles in Oklahoma City. Several signs have been knocked down in a two mile stretch on Hefner between Cemetery Road and Mustang Road.

"It's disturbing that someone would do this and it's also such a waste of money. The city is now going to have to replace these signs. I hope we catch them and they have to pay restitution," Talesa Flenniken said.

Team Bike Buddies and other cyclists are collecting money for a reward to team up with Crime Stoppers to catch those responsible.

Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers at 405-235-7300.