ATVs don’t belong on public streets

Every few days or so, a report on an accident involving an all-terrain vehicle or dirt bike appears on our news pages.

More often than not, the unlucky rider was on private land without permission, or scooting through public property on which ATVs are prohibited.

And in a few cases, the decision was deadly.

Unfortunately, it seems many in our region have bought into a culture in which riding ATVs on public streets or private property is acceptable. This mindset makes it harder on police officers and government officials – those who have the power to stop trespassers and maybe prevent an injury or even a death.

The closure of Paragon Adventure Park, where ATV enthusiasts could ride legally, was a loss for the area, though it mainly catered to responsible riders. The real problem is the irresponsible rider who believes he can trespass or break his community’s laws. And unfortunately, without enforcement, he knows he’ll more than likely get away with it.

We know what police are up against. An increased workload gives them little time to patrol for illegal ATV use. And when they do catch up with these wrongdoers, they find that ATVs can go places where police cars can’t, often making a chase fruitless.

But last week, state police at Hazleton scored a victory when they caught up with an ATV they spotted zooming down Route 940, a state highway – something that happens much too often. A man and a teen on the four-wheeler thought they’d get away by ducking onto a tight path into the woods. But the troopers outsmarted them by waiting at a known exit route, and nabbed them for underage drinking, eluding police and traffic violations.

A few communities are fighting back, too. Foster Township recently asked residents to report people on ATVs and dirt bikes seen riding at – and in some cases ruining – its playground off Route 940. Ringtown officials report less ATV use on borough streets following a crackdown by police.

This is good news. However, until people accept that riding ATVs or dirtbikes on public streets is prohibited in their communities, we fear that police and public officials will fight a losing battle.

Source: http://www.standardspeaker.com/articles/2009/06/05/editorial/hz_standspeak.20090605.a.pg12.hz05edi_atvs_s1.2570711_edi.txt

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