Amy Widener waving the red flag at the corner of Adair St. and W. Howard Ave. Photo provided to Decaturish

This story has been updated. 

A cyclist who pulled up caution signs placed by parents trying to slow down drivers along Howard and College avenues says he’s sorry and will pay for them.

The parents placed yellow signs along these roads with messages like “Prepare to Stop, Kids Crossing.” They also installed red crossing flags for pedestrians to use while crossing the street. The cyclist, who did not wish to be identified, contacted Decaturish after our initial story about the incident generated numerous comments. He asked that Decaturish please forward his apology to the parents involved and said he would mail them a check for whatever the signs cost.

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“I am not a disgruntled bicyclist,” he said, referring to the headline that generated a backlash from some readers. “I removed about 10 of those signs only because they were along the PATH [trail].”

A widely-circulated photo shows the cyclist walking his bike along the PATH trail while picking up the signs. He provided his first name to Decaturish and it was the same name provided by a reader who knew the man pictured in the photo.

The cyclist said he’s frustrated by any sign placed in the public right of way. He often finds signs from real estate companies and said it’s his understanding that signs placed in the right of way are illegal.

“I don’t want to create any ill feelings,” he said. “I’ve removed real estate signs, directional signs along the PATH. … I wasn’t trying to single out moms trying to take care of their children. I’ll pass along the money [to pay for the signs]. I don’t think they should be placed along the PATH. I didn’t realize it was going to create an uproar.”

Amy Morris, one of the parents involved in placing the signs, was shocked to hear that the man had offered to pay for them. She said the signs cost $275.

“I appreciate him reaching out and taking responsibility for his action,” she said. “I would love an opportunity to dialogue with him regarding his concerns so that we can find amenable solutions for his concerns. Thank you, again, for coming forward.”

UPDATE: The cyclist dropped the signs off at the publisher’s house shortly before 10 p.m. on Aug. 16 and Decaturish will return them to the parents who organized this public awareness campaign. 

This actually happened.

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