Fountain police aim to cut down on traffic accidents with new Can Am Spyder motorcycles
The Fountain Police Department has noticed an increase in traffic accidents on Mesa Ridge Parkway between Interstate 25 and Fontaine Boulevard.
“The on and off ramps there are so close. So people try to beat the first light and are unable to stop at the second light because they’re going too fast,” said Cpl. Galen Steele with the Fountain Police Department traffic unit.
Steele said the majority of these accidents are reported between 3 and 6 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
“When you’re coming down off from Mesa Ridge towards I-25, it gets pretty fast coming down there,” said Kyle Popelka, a Fountain driver.
Two new Can Am Spyder motorcycles were purchased in an effort to cut down on accident numbers in the area.
“With having these Can Am’s here, we can be more visible and more proactive in the area,” said Steele.
The speed limit at the intersection is 45 mph, but Steele said he often clocks drivers going between 58 and 60 mph.
“People are distracted or too much in a hurry to go home after work,” said Steele.
The motorcycles are equipped with state-of-the-art safety features and have upgrades from their old motorcycles.
“There’s over 101 safety upgrades from the 2004 models from today’s current models. We wanted to make sure our cops are safe,” said Chief Chris Heberer with the Fountain Police Department.
The three-wheel design is part of that safety feature.
“Someone will change a lane and not see you in the blind spot and that’s the most dangerous risk to our police riders. It’s a bigger footprint, it takes up more space,” said Heberer.
The new Can Am Spyders are already catching the eye of drivers.
“I think it’s a good investment. It will be helpful to try to reduce the risk out here for everybody and keeping everyone safe,” said Michael Ream, a Fountain driver.
Drivers can expect to see an increased police presence in Fountain.
“We’re having a lot of accidents at the intersection. You’re going to see us often. Please do 45 mph,” said Steele.
Fountain is the first police department to use these motorcycles in Colorado.
