DERBY – Members of the Derby Board of Aldermen & Alderwomen are cracking down on dirt bikes, ATVs, mini-motorcycles – and “street takeovers” that have caused chaos on city streets.
The board voted unanimously Thursday (Dec. 11) to pass an ordinance regulating the vehicles. The same ordinance piggybacks off state law by allowing local police to seize – and potentially destroy – vehicles involved in street takeovers.
What They’re Talking About
The ordinance refers to the vehicles as “motorized recreational vehicles.” It sets out language defining the term to include:
- All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) that are not suitable to drive on local roads, as defined by the state Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
- Dirt bikes, defined as vehicles not designed to travel on local roads or highways, according to existing state law
- EPAMDs (electric personal assistive mobility devices): which describe two-wheel vehicles such as the Segway. The devices, which also include hoverboards and electric skateboards, can’t produce more than 750 watts of power.
- Mini-motorcycles, defined, in part, as having a seat of less than 26 inches and powered by an engine of less than 50 cc
What The Law Does
The new law bans ATVs, dirt bikes, EPAMDs, and mini-motorcycles from being driven on streets, sidewalks and public property. It also bans passengers from riding on the vehicles with the operator, and notes the vehicles must comply with existing anti-noise rules in the city.
The law carves out space for EPAMDs, saying they can be used in bike lanes, sidewalks, and crosswalks as long as the speed does not exceed 5 mph.
Penalties
Violators face fines of:
* $1,000 for the first offense
* $1,500 for the second offense
* $2,000 for the third offense
Passengers on the regulated vehicles could be fined $250.
The law also threatens to seize any motorized recreational vehicle found in violation, and sets up a hearing process for owners to possibly reclaim impounded vehicles.
Any traditional motor vehicle involved in a street takeover also faces seizure and possible destruction.
Why Is This Happening?
Large groups of ATV riders clogging Route 8 and local streets has been an issue in the region – as have “street takeovers,” where a large group of motorists descend on a road to shut it down and essentially cause chaos.
Street takeovers have happened in Ansonia, Derby, Seymour and Shelton.
A police vehicle was vandalized during a takeover in Ansonia, and Derby Police Department Deputy Chief Brian Grogan noted Derby police had fireworks shot in their direction during another takeover.
In general, there has been an increase in people riding dirt bikes, ATVs, and mini-motorcycles in unsafe manners on Derby streets, Grogan said.
The law touches upon all the issues police have been seeing, Grogan said.
“Over the past several years, Derby PD, along with most police departments in the region, have seen a significant increase in groups operating these vehicles in a reckless manner that endangers themselves, motorists, pedestrians, and property,” he said in an email.
The state law gave local towns and cities the ability to pass local laws to deter future incidents, Grogan said.
“It provides clearer enforcement guidelines, including potential fines of up to $1,000 along with the ability to seize and potentially destroy the vehicles involved,” he said.
What About E-bikes And Motorized Scooters?
Bicycles that can be powered by pedals or motors have become increasingly popular, especially among young people. The same can be said for motorized scooters.
When the weather is agreeable, students can be seen traveling to Derby High School on both e-bikes and motorized scooters.
Those are not being targeted with this ordinance, Grogan said.
“This ordinance is not directed at e-bike or scooter riders who ride responsibly, but rather at those operating “vehicles” in reckless manner with motors larger than 50cc or 750w, or meant to be driven on unpaved surfaces,” he said.
Grogan noted that a new law passed by state lawmakers came into effect Oct. 1 that requires e-bike riders to wear helmets, to stay off sidewalks and to follow the rules of the road.
The law did not pass through a subcommittee before being approved by the Board of Aldermen & Alderwomen on Thursday.
The Valley Indy reached out to Mayor Joseph DiMartino for comment but did not hear back.
Screen shots of the ordinance are posted below. The law can be viewed as a PDF here, starting on page nine.
