See the below open issues regarding problems with dirt bikes. There are others as well.

http://www.seeclickfix.com/issues/195956-motorbike-noise-and-danger

http://www.seeclickfix.com/issues/1862-illegal-use-of-dirt-bikes-and-atvs

Email your aldermen, people (http://www.cityofnewhaven.com/aldermen/index.asp) . I know for a fact that there is movement to draft and perhaps pass a specific ordinance against sale and ownership of dirtbikes and ATVs in New Haven (based on similar actions taken in Baltimore and Philadelphia in the past 3 years). WRITE YOUR ALDERMEN! And tell them you want action on this issue to make New Haven a safer and better place to live.

Why was that thread pulled? It's as bad now as it was a month ago. Maybe worse. Reacting to photographing minors? Were they too hard on the NHPD? LCI have it's feelings hurt? It's hard to ask them how old they are when they are screaming past your house at 150 decibels. They and the parents have to be held accountable. Police claim they can't do anything more than they are. Police claim WE can't do anything except call them. Yet it gets worse every night. So how does this end? Sleep deficit causing someone to react violently? I can see it happening, dangerously close myself.

Ben Berkowitz would you mind explaining where the thread went and why? Or are you going all NHI comments section on us, buddy?

I retract my question to Ben. It had not been deleted, simply moved down the list many many positions. Apologies, Ben. As I said, sleep deficit.

Forbes ave one block from the police station.

Hello All,

So if you’ve just about had enough with the dirt bikers, here’s a constructive way to funnel that frustration. Let’s write the aldermen and ask them to take action and give the city more tools to deal with the dirt bikes. Just cut and paste the following letter (make changes of course if you want) into the main body of your e mail and then cut and paste the following addresses into the address portion.

Unite against illegal use of dirt bikes and ATVs!

Here are the addresses and then the letter.

Ward1@newhavenct.net, Ward2@newhavenct.net, Ward3@newhavenct.net, Ward4@newhavenct.net, Ward5@newhavenct.net, Ward6@newhavenct.net, Ward7@newhavenct.net, Ward8@newhavenct.net, Ward9@newhavenct.net, Ward10@newhavenct.net, Ward11@newhavenct.net, Ward12@newhavenct.net, Ward13@newhavenct.net, Ward14@newhavenct.net, Ward15@newhavenct.net, Ward16@newhavenct.net, Ward17@newhavenct.net, Ward18@newhavenct.net, Ward19@newhavenct.net, Ward20@newhavenct.net, Ward21@newhavenct.net, Ward22@newhavenct.net, Ward23@newhavenct.net, Ward24@newhavenct.net, Ward25@newhavenct.net, Ward26@newhavenct.net, Ward27@newhavenct.net, Ward28@newhavenct.net, Ward29@newhavenct.net, Ward30@newhavenct.net

Dear Aldermen,

If you are not aware, the illegal use of dirt bikes and ATVs on the streets of New Haven has become a serious public safety and quality of life issue. Earlier this year, a 7 year old girl was run over by a dirt bike as she waited on the sidewalk. Illegal use of dirt bikes in New Haven leads to injuries for both operators and innocent bystander and loss of quality of life for those who live in the neighborhoods where the dirt bikes and ATVs choose to illegally ride.

http://www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/domestic_incident_etc/
http://www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/dirt_biker_pays_75._will_it_work/
http://www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/ghost_busters_work_on_foot/
http://www.newhavenindependent.org/index.php/archives/entry/cops_help_us_nab_dirt_bikers/

There has been considerable frustration among those who live in all the neighborhoods of New Haven at the inability of the city to stop or lessen the illegal use of dirt bikes and ATVs.

http://www.seeclickfix.com/issues/200986-dirt-bikes-everywhere
http://www.seeclickfix.com/issues/195956-motorbike-noise-and-danger
http://www.seeclickfix.com/issues/1862-illegal-use-of-dirt-bikes-and-atvs
http://www.seeclickfix.com/issues/188072-pics-of-fair-haven-dirt-biker
http://www.seeclickfix.com/issues/193787-dirt-bike-excessive-speeds
http://www.seeclickfix.com/issues/192778-dirtbikes-riding-on-sidewalks
http://www.seeclickfix.com/issues/192778-dirtbikes-riding-on-sidewalks
http://www.seeclickfix.com/issues/4501-illegal-atv-s
http://www.seeclickfix.com/issues/176551-dirt-bikes-racing-on-forbes-ave-during-rush-hour

New Haven is not the only city faced with the illegal and dangerous use of dirt bikes and ATVs . The residents of Baltimore, Philadelphia and Boston have also looked for sustainable solutions to the issue.

I urge you to consider ordinances similar to those implemented in those cities. For example, banning the sale of dirt bikes and ATVs within city limits. Banning the sale of duel to dirt bikes and ATVs within city limits. Banning the ownership of dirt bikes and ATVs that are not locked or securely maintained at the residence of the owner.

Sincerely,

I have emailed Brenda Ward 13 as well as officer Zona weeks ago. No reply. 11pm last night the bikers were still at it.

Thank you Sargent Anastasio for all your efforts. We will have to work together and call you as we get more info. Is 203-946-7163 the best number to call for The Heights area? If not please post it here as well as an email address for more photos from everyone. Today I saw 6 bikers flying up Quinnipiac while someone with a video camera driving on the wrong side
of the road documented the wheelies and tricks. Oncoming traffic was forced off the road, dog walker almost run down. Tragedy is around the corner.

Recent photos

https://www.icloud.com/journal/#6;CAEQARoQyToqcFhEUdFDvius8jGdGA;FB58B65C-4545-4E45-81DD-BE8EBA0E5EE5

80 Clifton is a main source of the dirt bikes. They congregate here nightly.

H.P. Nice police work on your photo compilation. Keep up the good work.

It's not that difficult to figure out names to go with the pictures...
They are posting pictures and videos of themselves, meeting times, etc., all over facebook, twitter, instagram, and others.

As ITguy points out, nobody cares where they live or who they are, when they say they do you may as well just chalk it up as being BSed once again. this city is poorly run, the mayor doesnt really care about this side of town and we may as well suck it up and somehow deal with it ourselves.

I'm no gun nut but I do suggest people start arming themselves, this town is becoming very similar to the wild wild west.

Has the Alderperson made any comment about this issue or taken steps to resolve it?

they are riding the wrong way down the streets, blowing through red lights, cutting cars off, scaring legal drivers to death and on top of it all they arent supposed to be on the road PERIOD.THIS IS A FAILURE OF THE POLICE to do their jobs. can you say reckless driving without a license? does that charge not stick?

Hey ClickFixers, time to start writing and e mailing the mayor’s office. Read below for details on the coalition to Stop Illegal Traffic (SIT)

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!"

Optional:
c. If you feel comfortable, go on www.SeeClickFix.org. Select a report of illegal dirt bike or ATV riding with multiple posts, and contribute your own comment. You have the option to comment anonymously on See, Click, Fix. If you comment anonymously you will be asked for an email address but it is not displayed with the comment.

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?"

This issue was recategorized from Other to Policing Issue.

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

Bike life, can't stop won't stop and can't be stopped!

bikelife: your ignorance and arrogance are not needed here. From your comment it appears you would do well to spend more time in the classroom and less time being a deviant. If you want to own an ATV or dirt bike that's absolutely fine. Just don't operate it on City streets. It's not safe and is a negative quality of life factor for those of us living in the neighborhoods you choose to terrorize.

please, someone give Bikelife a pacifier so he'll stop crying and whining. I think he needs a time-out. "Into the corner, away from the other children, Bikelife!"

Is this a clearly veiled threat Bike Life? We just want you to stop ruining our neighborhoods, driving my dog nuts, waking up my kids, speeding etc. It is all about respect friend, respect my home and my life and I will respect yours.

Hey Bike Life. Respect me and my home and stop waking up my kids, driving my dog nuts, speeding, put a muffler on, keep it clean. And I might respect you and your life. Request if I may, go over to East Rock and ride.

I will be 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 this recent operation.

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

- Rob Smuts, Chief Administrative Officer