Councilors Call on Mayor Elorza to Enforce City ATV Laws
Providence, RI (July 19, 2021)…At the last City Council meeting, Finance Chairwoman Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5) and Council President John J. Igliozzi (Ward 7) introduced a resolution calling on Mayor Elorza to enforce the multiple laws that the Providence City Council has enacted to mitigate the dangers and nuisance of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in the City of Providence.
By law, recreational off-road vehicles are banned from operating on city streets as they are not designed for that use which creates significant safety hazards for the public as well as the operators of the vehicles and greatly compromises quality of life for residents.
Working with Public Safety officials and the community, the Council has passed multiple ordinances and resolutions to stop the illegal use of ATVs in the City. However, the illegal operation of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and dirt bikes in Providence continues to create significant public safety concerns for motorists, pedestrians, and residents.
"As a freshman Councilor, I got to work drafting and enacting legislation that would keep dangerous ATVs off our City streets. In doing so, my Council colleagues and I created a clear, legal framework that prohibited the operation of illegal ATVs and gave the Providence Police Department the power to seize and destroy any ATVs operating illegally. Yet years later, these laws are not being enforced to the level that is warranted or at all. Our City is still facing the major threats to traffic and pedestrian safety that ATVs create. Significant action from the Mayor is overdue," stated Finance Chairwoman Jo-Ann Ryan.
The reckless operation of these vehicles on city streets and sidewalks can result in collisions with pedestrians and other motorists, confusion and fear for other motorists trying to safely use city streets, and significant noise pollution for residents in the surrounding area.
“It is very disappointing that ATV’s continue to degrade the quality of life in the City of Providence. As President of the Providence City Council, I am calling on Mayor Elorza and his administration to enforce the laws that the council has put in place. Every week, there is a new story about an accident, injury or traffic jam caused by these reckless drivers. It is time the administration takes action and protects our residents,” stated Council President John J. Igliozzi.
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