Saw the same group, last week, on Sea St. I assume that they are riding through the "nature preserve", which is now apparently an ATV / Dirtbike route, from Long Wharf to lower Howard Ave. the Boulevard and the Hill. Also, you can see some of the bikes stored, at the Church St. South housing project. Yes, that's right, taxpayers are subsidizing the rents of some people, so their kids can afford to buy [more likely steal] dirtbikes to destroy New Haven's parks, cause havoc on the streets and destroy the already low "quality of life" in New Haven.
Hey, I just made a joke: "quality of life" and "New Haven" in the same sentence!

New Haven Coalition to Stop Illegal Traffic

The New Haven Coalition to STOP ILLEGAL TRAFFIC (SIT) on our streets had its second meeting on Sept. 18. Alderman Justin Elicker reported that since our meeting last month, the city has started a concerted effort to address the issue of dangerous and illegal use of dirt bikes, all terrain vehicles, and other illegal motorized vehicles on our streets. Currently, police do not have the authority to seize and hold illegally operated motorized bikes and ATVs. Therefore, violators can reclaim impounded vehicles shortly after being caught by paying a small fine to the towing company.
On September 18, 2012, SIT members decided that the quickest way to make our streets safer is to rally the community in support empowering the city to take more aggressive actions against illegally operated dirt bikes and ATVs.

What the city is doing:
1. The Corporation Counsel (the lawyer for the city) has been directed to explore the legality of the city taking possession of non-registered dirt bikes, atvs, etc. that have been operated illegally and destroying them. Other enforcement ordinances are also being explored.
2. The City is in conversation with state legislators about state-level action.

What Coalition members and supporters are being asked to do:
a. Call the Office of the Mayor (203)946-8200 and tell the Mayor that you are concerned about this issue and that you want results by next summer 2013.
or
b. Write to the Mayor at MayorDestefano@newhavenct.net. You may want to include the following points:
“I am a concerned citizen who is frustrated by the increase in use of illegally operated dirt bikes and ATVs on New Haven streets, inside New Haven Parks, and near playgrounds and other recreation areas. It is my understanding that the NHPD has a long standing no-chase policy, which I agree with given the chances that a chase could result in injury of an innocent bystander. However, more needs to be done. I support the city’s effort to create policies that will eliminate the reckless behavior before someone else is killed. We’ve had many close calls already in 2012; a little girl was hit by a dirt biker while waiting at a bus stop with her dad, and a dirt biker himself suffered life-threatening injuries after losing control of an unregistered illegally operated dirt bike. Please, do what is necessary. You have my support!"

Tired of this issue? Then show your support this Tuesday 11/13 @ 6 p.m., all should attend, no excuses! If not you, and us, then who? Tell everyone you know and bring them along if needed--lets pack the room, this may be our only chance for this type of City-wide meeting. Please distribute widely.

via Alderman Justin Elicker:
"There will be a public hearing on the dirt bike ATV issue Tuesday, 11/13 at 6pm in Board of Aldermen Chambers at City Hall. It's an opportunity for people to express their concerns about the dirt bike issue and for the City to talk about what we plan on doing. Could you all help get the word out?"

Sick and tired of the unregistered, uninsured, often unlicensed, vroomm-vroomm-vrooomm? Then sign the petition! http://www.change.org/petitions/state-of-connecticut-general-assembly-new-haven-office-of-the-mayor-stop-the-use-of-illegally-operated-vehicles-on-new-haven-streets-and-parks

Let's start investing in our youth and stop complaining! Ask yourself what you as an individual has contributed to your community. Taxes? We rae almost forced to pay those. The solution lies within our city leaders and how they distribute the funds to programs like "illegal" but legal invites and cannot fund a skate park or a MX track for our youth. We are almost asking for this to happen. Be thankful these riders are not picking up weapons but instead are putting them down to ride a dirtbike. Yes they are wrong for ridding on our streets. I dont think they ride out with the intention of hurting and or causing any havoc, because we all know if that was the case, in New Haven it would not be very hard due to guns being cheaper than MX bikes.

My bike was stolen last week in Bridgeport, CT. If anyone happens to see my bike riding around the streets please inform me with a description of the rider or take a picture. Here is my post with pictures of the bike. Thank you.
http://newhaven.craigslist.org/mcy/3767952787.html

I am closing dirt bike/ATV complaints that pre-date the conclusion of the police undercover operation (see www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/9_arrested_in_dirt_bike_sting/). I do not expect the dirt bike/ATV issue to be completely solved, but it will be helpful to policing efforts to distinguish new reports from those before last month's operation. The operation was not a one-off effort to address this issue, and information reported in new issues is helpful.

Please open up new SCF issues as dirt bike/ATV issues re-occur.

- Rob Smuts, Chief Administrative Officer