I see this everyday! Just another example of lawlessness in New Haven, and the ineffective police force.

They rode down Willow St., on sidewalks and around cars, then blew thru the light at Willow @ Orange St. - totally out of control.

I have watched the 2 dirtbike kids come down Pine St to Front on many occasions. I recognized the green bike/green helmet combo with the other kid on a yellow bike. My feeling is they come from the Pine St/Maltby St area based on time of day when they go out.

looks like the group from 80 clifton st. NHPD knows who they are but are unable or unwilling to stop them. check out my clickit reckless riders. these bikes are kept in the garage and in the house!

10 ATV/dirt bike riders were going up and down Chapel Street in Fair Haven on Sunday from about 2 pm to 4pm
They mus t be stopped!

We were walking to Wooster Square and saw them cross the bridge at ~1:30 PM. Same group with the green bike/green helmet kid. The green helmet has a crest of green bristles on top in the form of a mohawk. 6 dirt bikes, 4 ATV's.

Yes, that's the group. They were weaving in and out of traffic at about 40MPH. I was that convinced one of them would crash, or cause another driver to.

If you have other "clickets" about this issue please post the links to them here, so that we can see all the information together.

If it helps at all, the whole group took a left onto Mill Street. It appears that they use both major and minor streets to get around. During the week I see them (green bristle helmet) later in the day, so possibly school-aged kids actually in school.

Does the Martinez school have a camera outside? A long shot, but they could have been picked up if they went by that way. Pulling video from 12:45-2:00 should capture the group if they passed the school.

i regularly see dirt bikes and atvs when i'm going running in the area, especially on willow st. and mitchell dr. there is most likely one still at this location, previously reported: http://www.seeclickfix.com/issues/2957

(link changed to point to the referenced issue -SCF Editor)

While I can understand the allure of dirt bikes and ATVs they must be used appropriately and marauding the streets is not the appropriate setting. They are dangerous to the riders as well as the citizenry.

will the mayor do something about this?

I saw them on Chapel. I believe there were even more of them, and, yes, the ran a red light. Definitely not safe.
Another similar issue is bikes on sidewalks. Bike are considered, by law, as vehicles, and should not be on the sidewalk. They have to follow the same laws as other vehicles. I have been hit by a cyclist on the sidewalk, and he screamed at ME to watch where I was going. Can you imagine? He was the one not following the law.
Traffic laws should be enforced, both, in repsect to these bikes/quads which are not streetlegal and speed through school zones and residential areas, as well as cyclists on the sidewalk running people down and not following traffic signals, etc.

I saw these kids, too, in Wooster Sq. This is dangerous and it is outrageous that the NHPD has no resources available to do something about it.

2 dirtbikes (1 red driven by Af-Amer teen) up 1st Ave in FHH around 12 noon of the 19th, then in the eve of the 19th 1 atv driven by a 20-30 yr old Hispanic man went up and down 1st Ave about 4-5 times at high speed. Police were called both times, but never saw a cruiser.

the police have sudays off - union contract

Tony, bicycles on the sidewalk are highly unlikely to kill anyone, though I agree that particularly aggressive cyclists on the sidewalk in downtown need to be stopped (they can cause bad injuries).

But these vehicles, as well as aggressive drivers, a small minority of whom are actually just as bad as the ATVs, need to be stopped since they can easily cause multiple deaths. They are also causing a lot of noise which in some ways is just as bad.

The NHPD clearly needs to prioritize... I'd have them catch the kamikazes / neighborhood pollutants before they go after elderly cyclists on the sidewalk.

Traffic of this nature is frequent on Crescent Street. Aside from the quality of life issues, how is it that most of my tax money goes to public aid programs but these kids can afford motorcycles and ATVs?

Not sure Sands - I work full time and certainly couldn't afford one. There is a used one for sale at the corner of Chapel and James on weekends for $1500. My guess is that a lot of these kids come in from the suburbs.

I agree with person responding to Sands. Although difficult to discern, all the cyclists appear to be wearing helmets. Inner city young people whom I see biking around Saint Raphael's invariably do NOT wear helmets (much to my dismay).

Perhaps a separate thread should be opened for the bicycles.
I was hit by a bicycle on Elm St. I had to step in front of my daughter to stop the cyclist from hitting her. She is only 10, and could have been seriously hurt. It IS an important issue. Bicycles need to follow the same rules/laws as other VEHICLEs, driving on the road, minding traffic signals, etc., both for their own safety AND for pedestrians on the walks, etc. Clearly not as high profile or dangerous as the dirt bikes and ATVs, but no less important. Besides, my guess is that stopping these hoods with their pants hanging off cycling on the sidewalks and running down pedestrians would have an impact on drug trafficking. Many of these kids on bikes are just starting out in their drug trafficking activities, so they can make enough money to buy an ATV (how else did you suppose they can afford such things? Flipping burgers at Mc. D's?).

Stop it, stop IT, STOP IT! This is about a gang of roving kids on ATV's and dirtbikes. If you want vent about cyclists, dial up another clickit and type away. This is not helping the real situation of "Illegal Dirtbikes and ATV's". I now step off the soapbox.

I saw this group on Front Street sometime between 3 and 4pm on Sunday afternoon. Obnoxious and dangerous.

I agree, Erin. They are in fact so obnoxious that the next time it is a weekend and the weather is nice, I'll be sure to leave town.

These kids regularly turn from Boulevard onto Irving Street (one-way in the wrong direction). Then they blast onto Ellsworth. I'll try to grab a picture next time.

On almost every Sunday afternoon when the weather is decent I see these kids riding across Rice Field and then up and down Cold Spring/Mitchell Drive...

They are using ATVs in the park? Yikes.

http://www.seeclickfix.com/issues/1862

Great thread, Mike. Looks like the same vehicle as the ones spotted yesterday.

A Ronan-Edgehill resident saw a group of them speed up East Rock Road over the weekend, ignoring the stop sign at Edgehill. Also spotted on Canner numerous times.

Get these guys off the road (and out of the park) before they kill someone!

I was running up East Rock Park (on the pedestrian trail in back, the one that is closed to all motor vehicles) at 4:50pm on Sunday. The road is very windy and out of nowhere the heard of 10 or so motor bikes and ATV's (including the green helmet with Mohawk bristles coming out of it) came barreling around a corner at 35 or 40 mph. I jumped to the side and in an effort to intimidate me they swerved very close to the side (right next to me) and did wheelies right in front of me. I luckily was headed down when they were headed up, but if I had my back turned, or worse, a mother was walking a stroller up the path, there is a good chance they would have been hit. This path is for runners, walkers, and cyclists, so no one would expect a motor bike traveling at 35mph to be around. I did not have a phone with me and the entire run back had my eyes peeled for a police officer, but did not see one. I hope though that people are aware of this, especially while running or biking around and if I see them again will report this as soon as possible.

acceptable fixes do not include seting up a voicemail that no one checks, FYI. This is a huge isue on our elm city cycling list serv too. city response has ben awful.

Sounds like we need a dragnet on the East Rock roads next Sunday, eh? This needs addressing immediately. We regularly bike that road with kids on the weekend and have run into these guys at least once. Please stop them before they run into us!

Streever, are you talking about the traffic safety hotline? Can we find out if any of the messages left here have ever been followed up? Because otherwise, what's the point?

East Rockette, a "dragnet" presumes that the police are willing to do something about this. They claim that any attempt to stop these hoods will simply result in a chase which is more dangerous than the original activity. While I see the logic here, the result is the tacit approval of the police department. It's time they get off their @#$% and come up with a solution that doesn't involve them sitting on the sidelines and throwing up their hands. This is just yet another example of lawlessness in New Haven and a completely lackluster response coming from the police and administration. Hey, maybe we could try to stop them and offer Resident Cards. I bet the mayor would be really interested then!

Sands: According to the NH Police, about 150 postcards have been sent out in response to citizen calls to the traffic safety hotline. These postcards warn drivers and have a brief description of the violation.

NHPD has also been doing limited enforcement stings. They have the goal of 20,000 MV tickets this year, versus 10,000 in 2007 and about 15,000 in 2008.

I am not sure how they are following up otherwise. New Haven Safe Streets Coalition has requested a detailed quarterly report on all enforcement (ticket and otherwise) and traffic collision data, broken down by neighborhood and type of incident/violation, so that citizens can advocate for improved traffic safety within their neighborhoods.

NHSS Coalition coordinators have received numerous complaints of ATVs in the East Rock Park, Cedar Hill and State Street/Hamden areas. One woman in Hamden was nearly run over by the group as they were barreling down a sidewalk. Please post more information here, as it can be useful in developing leads. To the person who posted above, I am glad you escaped unharmed! I hope this activity can be put to an end soon.

FYI, for anyone following, you can usually find them on the small stretch of Henry, just after the triangle where it's munson/henry. They ride around & around that same block, and they stop to tune up/put gas in the vehicles.

Why don't they just sit an officer out there, in plainclothes, with backup a minute away? The kids come roaring by, just watch them. Eventually they pull over & do something else. Then the officer calls in his backup & you go get them while they are in the corner store or using the bathrooms--at their houses--where they've just parked the ATVs.

Maybe I just don't look like an officer, but I've seen them every time I've ridden Henry for the last 2 weeks. (I've ridden it 3 times)

I mean, it's not like they are hiding or stealthy.

are you talking about the same, death defying group, with the green mohawk pkus red/blue atvs streever?

Yes sir.

I saw this pack on Sunday at 1:30 driving over the Grand Ave Bridge over the Quinnipiac a few times. They were waiting at the corner of east grand and Quinnipiac and watched as an officer drove past them.

Not the best picture but here's one biker sans green bike and matching mohawk leaning into the police car window like an old family friend.

I saw what I think was this same group (or maybe a very similar one) going down Whalley on Saturday afternoon around 4 pm. They went through 2 red lights and were popping wheelies, etc. The kids looked to me like they were maybe 14 years old on average. I was afraid for their safety and the safety of others around them. The police should do something about this before someone is killed.

green bike, green helmet, all over fair haven, owns the police

Since they are working on,gassing up and running bikes inside the house as well as the garage the Fire Dept should be notified.

I live in the beaver hill neighborhood. These guys always drive around crescent, beaver pond park, then up fournier to Dixwell area. Major nuisance.

Can someone explain to me how this business of "policing" is supposed to work? Or rather, why it's not working in this case? These guys have been on the radar since at least January. Numerous eyewitness reports. Regular routes and known locations. Several near misses. And multiple laws broken every time they go out and, if Mike is right, when they stay home as well. NHPD, what does it take???

"Since January"? It's been AT LEAST a year! It was the same M.O. last spring/summer. On nice days, especially on weeekends, I see them all the time around the base of East Rock...across Rice Field...up and down Cold Spring...et cetera

These teenagers do not appear to be 'hoods' (in the usual sense of the word). Is it possible that their parents have some type of "influence" that affects police behavior?

I notified the fire department by clicking on the link on left above. They have received an email.

Yep, I've seen them. The group of about 8 rode down Exchange St. about two weeks ago. New Haven Police, please prioritize this!!

They often ride through the WEB area on the weekend. It's going to be difficult for the police to catch them from a chase - it could cause even more danger; best chance is to get good photos and then use them to trace/prove the activity.

We have a pic of one of them hanging out with the local police.... I think we need some officers to just keep their eyes out. There is an old saying: You can't run from the radio. Just get a critical mass of officers out there, and have them radioing it out to each other. Without any chase whatsoever, at some point these kids will have to get off the bikes.

Can someone at the state change the laws so these things are banned statewide? Or increase the penalty for aggressive driving of a motor vehicle on a sidewalk or in a park perhaps

I love the idea that being caught on these would postpone the age they could get their license. It's more of a deterrent than any other punishment I can think of for a teenager and it relates directly to the crime.

Here's a picture of a couple of these guys charging down Atwater st in Fair Haven, no helmets, racing back and forth probably 10 or 15 times. I think this one in particular originates in or behind the garage at 17-19 Atwater. They might have a dirt bike or two as well in there.

In response to the comment from 5:03 - my understanding is that in most states it is illegal to drive a non-registered vehicle on any public roadway, and any motorized vehicle other than a wheel chair is illegal on a sidewalk. Any way you slice it, this is probably illegal and definitely dangerous. I believe it may be more than one group, since I've seen them on Dwight & Edgewood as well and that seems a bit far from East Rock. I've seen them swing by cops without them batting an eye, and I'm glad to hear people talking about it!

I saw a cop chase the green bike last week. the bike lost him and from the look on the cops face it was funny to him. wish I had a camera.

They like Fair Haven Heights because of the Quarry Park, its an ATV funpark for the whole family and I'm not kidding.

They are up and down Rosewood avenue all the time. I agree- this should be stopped.

Failure to curb known illegal and dangerous activity is called negligence. I surely hope that I am not the person who is injured or has a loved one injured or killed before the police do anything. Either way, there's a serious lawsuit waiting for the city when one of these kids hurts somebody.

Saw a similar, if not the same, group ride up Chapel by the Green on Saturday afternoon - brought traffic and pedestrians to a standstill. So dangerous!

Ben-this is an amazing conversation. It appears that there is surely more than one group of ATV hellions. It goes to show just how sick New Haven is with quality of life issues such as this.

major problem on Quinnipiac Ave from Foxon Hill Rd to Rt 80

I witnessed a dirt bike rider whose helmet resembled a green mohawk riding down Quinnipiac Avenue popping wheelies in traffic and turning around in the middle of the road. He was relentless and I had seen this kid before. He isn't the only one doing it, but because of his unique helmet, I called the police department and described the color of his bike, his helmet and where he was riding. One hour later, the police knocked on my door and told me the got him at the corner gas station. New Haven does what they can, we just have to be aware and give them as meny details as possible. It's frustrating when you call, and by the time they respond, the culprits are ususlly gone. Good news, they will usually do it again so be on the lookout because eventually, they do get nabbed for their reckless behavior.

Denise: Imagine how much more understanding we'd be, if the dispatch people at the NHPD were not so rude, and so dismissive when we call in things like this. Being told "That's not important" when you've (for instance) called in an attempted robbery (with attempted assault) or reckless, insane ATVers leads you to feel like the NHPD aren't doing much.

Most of us know that isn't true, but as long as they have rude & unreachable dispatch, we're going to be mad & we're going to complain. The minute that they teach their dispatch how to speak to civilians who call in legitimate problems is the minute that we'll stop.

Look at an example of how New Haven, Indiana handles dispatch:
http://www.newhavenin.org/egov/docs/117029709682.htm

all calls are public
imagine if we did that here?
we'd get some insight into why a dispatcher was so rude, wouldn't we....

That is a great idea, Streever. In a public setting they would probably respond in the same way that public officials respond on sites like this one

@Resident
You mean with useless placation and inaction? Maybe you have something there. At least they'd be pleasant about doing nothing.

At our CMT WEB meeting last night we were told by our district manager that Police Chief Lewis will start to crack down on the illegal ATVs and dirt bikes right away. Let's see if we notice any difference.

Sands: Check the link I posted. The City of New Haven, Indiana, has ALL dispatch calls logged on a website, the day they are made.

It's no extra work. You simply have the software that the dispatchers use output to web.

I wonder what our city would be like if we had good technical people working on things.

Beaver Hill: I sure hope so. That's exactly what they promised last year. Does anyone know how many arrests were madE?

I hate how reactive we are. I hate that we see the same problems each year, & respond after a critical mass complains.

I hope the DM also promised to you that they'd improve Dispatchers & train them to be polite to the community.

@Streever
That was sarcasm. Resident stated his desire that a system like that would cause dispatchers to "respond in the same way that public officials respond on sites like this one." My response, much like your statement above, was meant to convey my feeling that our public officials respond to criticism and public pressure, not problems. Most of what we get from the city is placation and not real action. I'll lay off the commentary. This should be a functional site for reporting issues and tracking their resolution, not aimless complaining. That's why we have the Independent!

Quality of Life in New Haven! What is that? I also have seen these and other ATV's riding at high speed down the middle of the road, on sidewalks, running red lights. Calling in to dispatch is of little use. If they answer the phone, they are rude and dismissive. What happens when this behavior causes damage or injury ...loss of life? If the ATV's are illegal, unregistered, uninsured...who is responsible? Every year we hear about a crack down on ATV's...and every year it's the same story....and so goes Quality of Life in New Haven! Please remember we also deal with dirvers in cars doing the same thing and how about the people who walk right out if front of your car...never mind they are crossing in the middle of the block...god forbid we should walk to the corner and cross with the light.

Marlene, if we want to have a pedestrian friendly city, people shouldn't have to cross with the light. Streets should be shared spaces where people are respectful and yield to each other.

Obviously there would be exceptions for the big arteries like Whalley, but those should have more frequent and better-designed (i.e. raised) crosswalks.

Streets that are shared don't have to be as wide, because people would have to drive slower in order to be able to safely navigate them.

Sorry Sands, I misunderstood you completely :D
I agree with you on your thoughts re: how they respond, but I always push for more data. If we can build in this type of data reporting for the police--with no extra work on their part--I think it could let us make sure that things are going well in this City.

Want to comment for an article in the Independent? Please email me at editor AT newhavenindependent.org. Thanks!

Strreever, the only shortcoming I see is that you only have a log of calls. There's no transcript or audio to go with it. How does recognition that a call was taken add any accountability? How can you tell if a dispatcher was rude or dismissive based in this data? Note that I am looking at this from work, where a lot of content is blocked. If there is audio or transcript linked to each instance obviously my comments are withdrawn.

You are right: it doesn't have any transcripts. The bonus though is that we do have (at last!) verified data for what is going on to some degree: so if I call in something at noon, and the dispatcher says, "What are you, crazy? There are REAL CRIMES in this city!" I can look at that later and go, "Huh. That's funny. Doesn't look like it." and file a complaint.

Right now there is no way to have any context on why the dispatcher was rude/etc because crime log stats in New Haven are slower than the glaciers. This would give us some daily accounting on at least calls for service, which is a start I think!

Legislative Fix:
Require all ATVs to be registered. Owned ATVs--in operation or not--can be confiscated if the owner does not get proper registration.

?

I'm amazed at where this conversation is going. The issue of illegal dirt bikes can be taken in many directions. I know two of these reckless kids enjoy health care under the Husky program.shoudn't someone be taken to task? How about heating assistance for those working on and running ATV's inside the house with the door open for hours. NHPD could learn something about networking from these guys. They cruise the area all day with cell phones glued to their heads ( I noticed some nice hands free ear pieces that I can't afford). ATVs are obviously a problem all over the city. The group in Fair Haven are not a gang but an enviable association of family,friends, "customers" that have been at whatever it is that they do for a long time, and it's not just ATVs. The NHPD can save a lot of resources by simply collecting the offending vehicles (you might as well include the junky/illegal "hotrods") hold them long enough to determine if they're stolen or involved in a crime and then scrap them or auction them off to someone who might use them responsibly. It's going to be a long hot summer, maybe the NHPD could save a life or two. Whew! thank you seeclickix and New Haven Independent.

Glad to hear the NH Independent will be reporting on this.

since the police at least have identified the green helmet mohawk wearing offender, maybe future complaints about this rider and the fact that he has been stopped by the police before might help. I am sure they have his information and if it is made known to the police who are dispatched that this is not the first time he has not only done this but, that he has actually be caught in the act it could perhaps put a stop to him. I know next time I see him, I am going to make sure that when the police knock on my door again, that I give them that infomation. I don't want to have to keep calling about the same person. Obviously, he chooses to keep at it so perhaps his bike should be confiscated since he is a repeat offender. Just a suggestion.

sigh* I can't believe the state that our community is in. This generation is such a disapointment and makes me want to weep for our future. The fact that I am considering moving from this city is a testament to how shameless people have raised their children. Threatening people? Actually threatening people who are trying to make their neighborhoods safe. You should be proud of yourself mr dirtbiker, you've become a complete and total waste of love and life. Your grandparents must be proud, I mention them because your parents dont' seem to have done a good job.

Ben, drop that guy's IP to the police. A few people incriminating themselves on the independent, and you won't have to worry about moderating anymore :)

Hear, hear Streever! It worked for police for the Craigslist killer.

Amen to that Streever!

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I saw that note before it was pulled as well. That should definitely go to the police!
I have no idea that this report would get as much traction and comments as it has! This really is a problem all of the city that I think we citizens want to see fixed PERMANENTLY. Hopefully the NHI article will get a little more publicity. What I really hope happens at some point soon is a statement from the police outlining the problem, what they are doing about it, and what we can do. Let's keep the pressure and visibility up. Post pictures, locations times etc as you see them!

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free speech *edited

It's a bit of a drive, but if you have a pick-up you can legally ride dirt bikes at the Thomaston Dam park in Thomaston (north of Waterbury): http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/recreati/tmd/tmdrec.htm

Unfortunately, no state parks are open to ATVs at this time.

There are private trails for dirt bikes and ATVs, but they cost money. If you don't want to pay or drive all the way to Waterbury, your best bet is probably to find a friend who has a bunch of land somewhere out in the middle of nowhere and no neighbors.

(a pick-up being necessary to get your bikes all the way out there) (I realized that might not have been entirely clear in my initial comment).

why not worry about drug dealers murderers rapists and stuff like that giving the police an ip address because you dont agree with what i say is absurd i can say what i want when i want i have the freedom of free speech but thats not even the issue its getting these riders a place to ride why not the state can charge admission and make money off the issue and for the record i didnt threaten anyone how bout someone post your address ??? not cool right and also im educated with a BA from Quinnipiac so my parents are proud of me i used to be that kid riding on the street simply cuz there was no other place to ride so please lets get this right a place to ride and the problem would go away i hear it all the time from these so called "hoods" stop stereotyping and lets come to a solution

Chill. My address is pretty public, as I use my real name & identity. I even have a watch area for my neighborhood.

No one is threatening you. But if you're going to threaten people on a site that logs your info, then people may want you reported to the police. Does it make sense now?

I'm glad you have a BA. I don't, but I manage to reason & speak like an adult. Please try similar. Thank you.

thanks for posting the report initially, pedro. this was sent out to the safe streets coalition, which contains like every neighborhood listserv and alderman in new haven. so thats probably why it was viewed so much. it woudl be cool to do neighborhood reports on other problems in this way, maybe safe streets can expand to include crime problems too.??

Apparently they don't teach punctuation, spelling, or proper grammar at Quinnipiac. If I had graduate form there I would be embarrassed. The argument that these little hoods have nothing else to do and, therefore, should be allowed to break the law is ridiculous. Am I stereotyping? Hell no. Anybody who rides through the streets with complete disregard for the safety of others simply to entertain themselves is a hood. Plain and simple.

Every time an issue like this comes up some idiot bleat outs "we don't have anything else to do. Give us things!" No. Sorry. You don't get to bargain. You don't get rewarded for agreeing not to beak the law. Nobody owes you a damned thing. There are places where it's legal to ride. Go there. If you can't afford it you find another hobby that is legal and doesn't endanger other people. The only solace I take in this is that these worthless little hoodlums will likely crack their heads open and will no longer be a drain on society. Of course the last time that happened you all dragged some innocent guy out of his car and beat him half to death while the "community" looked on and blamed society for giving you nothing to do.

first off id be embarassed by not having a life or a degree or a job as good as mine this is a posting where my grammar or punctuation mean nothing and i was suggesting a place where the state can charge therefor making money!! who owes anybody anything you want to stop the dirtbikes simple solution designate an area and charge the public simple as that!! and who is you all ????? are you racist ????? you are probably a bitter white male with no life who sits at home with his cat !!! come on get real the problem here is getting a place to ride thats it !!! and if you know of these legal places to ride why not post them and encourage these riders to use these so called legal places to ride instead of being an angry racist im trying to find a solution to this myself i used to ride on the street all the time and your right its not safe so why not help the issue and find these kids a place to ride stop being so negative talkin about you want them to fall and crack their heads open you my freind are an @#$%

who cares about spelling or punctuation on this lame issue *truncated threat*

Please keep on topic.
-SCF Editor

"are you racist ?"

It's a sad commentary on our society when people react to a call to enforce laws by pulling out the race card, whether the issue is roving gangs on ATVs or unlicensed, uninsured illegal immigrants. If there was enough demand for it for a business to make money, someone would open a paid area to drive ATVs. Their use on the streets is dangerous and illegal.

This group rode by me as I was driving west bound on Canner between Foster and Anderson, this past sunday at about 3:30pm. I've encountered other ATV/Dirt Bike riders in East Rock or Rice field.

I'm unclear what I'm suppose to do when I next encounter people breaking the law in this way. Do I call 911? Is that would NHPD would want?

-Kam

I called the police too on Saturday after seeing them on Willow. Like others, I was told there was nobody available to investigate.

why isn't "the solution" simply: "don't break the law"?

He may be generalizing--or even being a little pejorative--but it's safe to assume "you all" refers to ATV riders. I didn't see any mention of race.

As for us "minding our own business", this is our business. it's our neighborhoods, our community, and our public safety.

Most of us responding are active, engaged, and hard-working citizens who volunteer & do a lot of community building. Telling us to just go mind our own is pretty lame.

I would to offer a general appology for the vitriolic exchanges that have taken place here. I think both sides got carried away.

Yes, breaking the law is bad; endangering others by speeding or riding through East Rock is not OK. That said, the dirt biker who commented here at least made an effort to offer a constructive solution, which I believe is what seeclickfix is all about. (I'm going to continue in a second comment for technical reasons).

(continuation of my last comment) As I was saying, I would tend to agree with the commenter above who suggested that the state should charge a fee for dirtbike use on state lands in designated areas. If we put our minds to it, I think we can work out a solution that will benefit everyone.

There is quite a bit of underused indutrial land in the floodplanes along the rivers surrounding New Haven. Much of this land (a) is not suitable for intensive development because it is in a floodplane, (b) all of it would make prime wildlife habitat if it could be acquired and restored, and (c) because the land I am refering to is currently or formerly used for industry, it has been more or less ravaged to such an extent that even with dirt bike trails the restored land would be a tremendous improvement.

I don't know if ATV/dirt bike fees could cover the entire cost of acquiring and restoring one of these industrial floodplane properties, but (depending on demand) they could make an otherwise financially infeasible project viable.

That said, there could be major legal or administrative hurdles (it will take a while to convince your state congressmen that it's OK to condone the use of dirt bikes on public land, even in the context of a dedicated park). I think it's doable, but you'd need a group of dedicated, persistent volunteers. If the state isn't open to the idea, a non-profit group might get the job done. I've seen it work in the case of dog owners banding together to found an off-lease dog park on land they acquired with donated funds. I can imagine a dedicated group of dirt bike enthousiasts embarking on a similar project.

off-leash, that is. I'm not sure what an off-lease dog park would look like, but that's not what I meant.

See Sands? We all make typos. It's not anything worth insulting anyone over.

Insert "like" between "would" and "to" in the first line of my opening comment above. Apologies for my sloppy typing. It's the thought that counts.

To sum up my argument, I would just like to point out that Motocross is a legitimate American sport. Yes, it is dangerous, noisy, and not appropriate for urban areas, but driving to work--an even more popular American pastime--is just as noisy, even more dangerous, and no more appropriate in urban areas.

(Yes, my argument is non sequiteur, but I couldn't help myself and just had to go there.) ;)

Excuse me, Wikionary tells me that the correct spelling for my logical fallacy of choice is in fact "non sequtur." A "non-sequiteur" would have to be an illogical, non-conformist Frenchman.

Adieu!

First off, yes, I most certainly meant the wild and reckless ATV crew when I said "you all." Second, I'm a black man, so your cry of racism falls just a bit short. If me being educated, able to write well, and express my opinion makes me "white," well, that just points to the core of the problem with your generation.

Brian, it's great that you're being constructive but what you are suggesting is that once again we have a community of responsible, law-abiding citizens who should bend over backwards to find a solution for a group of people who make no effort to solve their own problems. I have no interest in spending what little time and resources I have trying to set up an ATV park for a group who believes that the correct solution is to just keep doing what they're doing at the expense of the citizenry. Plenty of people all over the country manage to partake in this perfectly legitimate sport legally. If it's an issue let them make the effort. If they want help, let them ask for it. They've already proven that they have nothing to do with their time, so they shoudl have plenty of opportunity to speak with their aldermen and state representatives. And yes, if they can behave themselves like actual members of society and want the help of the community they shoudl have it. In the meantime I won't be terrorized into doing their work for them. While there may be a long-term solution the short-term solution is for the police to start doing their jobs, enforcing the law, and protecting the citizenry. Not coddling young hoodlums. These kids are endangering other people's lives for their own amusement and it needs to be stopped NOW.

It's admirable to try and find places for people to ATV Brian, but I wonder if it addresses the root problems. To reduce it to something so simplistic ("We have no where to ATV!") is probably not adressing root problems & causes. (Some people like showing off their ATV & being a little reckless!)

This whole issue illustrates a host of our problems in our community. I don't think giving a dirt bike park is going to change those issues. The other problem with building something close by, is how will people get there? It isn't unreasonable--considering current behavior--to assume that they may choose to ride there on city streets.

The only solution I can think of is some form of registration. It's common in many other states, and even in other nations, like the Dominican Republic. This let's police make an instant decision when they see one without plates.

After we have some legal framework in place for ownership & riding (in private places) we can start to look to the other solutions.

And don't be too tough on Sands or the other people who attacked our friend who is rightfully proud of his BA: he started by attacking me & demanding my street address & belittling me. That he chose to do so with poor grammar & spelling, I think, opens him up to at least a little teasing :). That he chose to respond to that with "RACISMS!" also opens him to a little more legitimate teasing. Hopefully he'll stick around & report issues in his neighborhood, see the fixes, and most importantly, relax!

It's a good idea, Streever, but there is clearly illegal and dangerous activity that the police don't enforce now. It's illegal to ride AVTs on the street, illegal to blow through red lights, ride on sidewalks, and through parks. Many of us have seen the police drive right by these kids without batting an eye and others have even reported seeing police conversing with these kids. Laws are useless unless they are enforced. If the cops see an ATV on the street, it's illegal. Done. Arrested. How would registration help if the police are unwilling to do their jobs? Why this city is so afraid to enforce the law is beyond me. I really had high hopes for Chief Lewis. But either he's not what he claimed to be or he's getting orders from the mayor to roll over for the reckless youth of this city.

Sands, I am totally with you! I don't think it's the Chief's fault in that he's inherited a lot of problems--I see him (hopefully) as an architect for our future policing, setting priorities & strategies. He's done a very good job as far as I've seen...
but I don't expect him to change the mind set of the officers who aren't worried about this stuff. I think that's a community wide job. There are officers who just don't view this stuff as important, & we need to win them over. This stuff matters, & it's part of a working city that you deal with this.

There aren't many major cities that have issues with quads & ATVs--at least, I can't find any.

I think the nice thing about the registration is it makes it easier. The officers right now have a great excuse--"We can't chase one of those kids!" I'm thinking if the ATVs were registered, that excuse goes away, & then we can work on the next step....

We just need an Alder willing to promote the legislation.

I'm not sure why we have to "win over" the police to get them to do their job. They are paid for and work for the taxpayers of this city. If they're unwilling to do their jobs they should be fired and replaced with officers that will.

As for registration, what makes you think that these kids will abide by registering their vehicles?

Lastly, you'd be hard pressed to find any urban areas with ATV problems because no other city in the nation would put up with this. It would have been ended the day it started.

Please see this issue where the Chief addresses caller frustration with the communications center. It seems to me that he's making a good effort to do what he can.

http://www.seeclickfix.com/issues/1233

Comment removed by admin for incendiary language

Comment Removed. Comments involving name-calling will be removed from this issue. Please Flag them as inappropriate if you see them and we will take a look.

To those of you who feel that this is no big deal, I disagree. Given the speeds these ATV riders travel and their lack of respect for traffic and pedestrians it's only a matter of time before an innocent bystander is seriously injured or killed. Nobody expects off-road vehicles to be coming around the corner in a public park. Children play on the sidewalks these riders speed over. Of course this ignores the injuries and deaths and violence already perpetrated by a group of ATV riders this past summer. The city's failure to enforce this in full knowledge of the problem leaves them open to huge liability lawsuits when somebody is eventually get hurt or killed.

Lastly, I would suggest to those who type in all caps and hurl insults, you're not doing yourselves any favors. You're coming off as disrespectful and incapable of engaging in conversation. Nobody will ever listen to you or help you as long as that is how you're presenting yourself. Not here and not anywhere else.

Ben, I hope you are logging and saving those incendiary comments. I almost wonder if it's worth leaving those comments up for public viewing - they give an indication of the size of the problem here. Calling people "morons" and saying "police don't care about dirtbikes"?

Not only are these people breaking the law, they're defiant about it, and they're all but holding the city to ransom with their demands for somewhere to ride. Not to mention failing to engage with any of Brian's constructive suggestions. I was hoping to be pleasantly surprised by an intelligent conversation, but alas, no.

Amen to J. Hart. This is a HUGE deal, with several near misses already. If it were happening unaddressed in NYC or any other sizeable city, it would be a scandal. And if it were happening in a different form in New Haven, it would still be a scandal -- if e.g. a phalanx of professors were to recklessly drive a parade of BMWs at high speed through the yards and streets and parks that these guys live and play in, narrowly missing their kids and grandmas, you can bet they'd be on the phone to the cops.

Any word from our police on this? Or the mayor?

the kids at 80 clifton st. know whp they are and need too stay off the ball feild and streets and go on the trails. before one of u gets hurt or worst. i saw a nhpd walking around the ball park and that house and didnt do ANYTHING.. whats gonna be done for some action too be taking on this matter someone too get killed... stop the stupid stuff and go ride on the trails

Thanks for the input, DeeDee! For the record I don't believe that there are any local trails on which it is legal for them to ride. Those are walking and cycling trails and having motorized vehicles on them is pretty dangerous. More dangerous than the streets due to short lines of sight. ATV/motocross simply isn't a valid hobby in an urban setting. Same reason I don't go deer hunting in Edgewood Park or duck hunting at Beaver Hill Park. I'd like to! It's convenient. But I don't, because it's illegal and dangerous to do in a densely populated area. Not to mention that the noise would be an obnoxious imposition on the surrounding community. See how that works, kids? You don't get to do something that is illegal and puts others' lives at risk simply because it's convenient.

It's really upsetting to hear people talk about NHPD being in the area and not doing anything. It sounds @#$% if this home at 80 Clifton is pretty well known for this type of activity. Not chasing them is one thing. Knowing where they hang out and doing nothing about it is quite another. Hopefully Mellisa will write her story and get some police input. I'd really like to hear what they have to say.

One more thing. A 3-second google search came up with the following legitimate and legal motocross venues.

TRACKS
Salmon River State Forest Colchester, CT 860-295-9523

Milford Riders Club Milford, CT 203-877-7580

Connecticut River Motocross Rocky Hill, CT 860-563-0352

Thomaston Dam Thomaston, CT 860-283-5540

Mototown USA Windsor, CT
860-688-5110

Central Cycle Club Central Village, CT

You really can't complain that there's no place to do it when you haven't even looked. You all obviously know how to use and have access to a computer. And you clearly have the cash if you're buying bikes and quads, keeping them running, and gassing them up. Plus a true MX course is going to be a hell of a lot more fun than city streets. Here's the site. I'm sure there are more out there. Google is your friend.

http://www.wheretomx.com/

I dont understand it, today they had an accident involving a police officer. I dont know why these police officer, dont pull these people over and take there bikes. they need to come on whalley ave, elm st. blake st and ella grasso blvd. its terrible. the other day about 15 of them came from ella grasso & whalley ave and went on to legion ave. the police need to arrest them. they have no liscense at all. I thought it illegal to ride these atv on city streets. plus no helmet or no liscence.

These kids are from my area, and most of these bikes do not belong to them. I know some of there parents and they do not work a lick, and they are on welfare and there children do not work. please come to whalley ave. especially on a sat & sun, I guess they think not to many officers are out on that day. Sargent Bomlicki only work weekdays, so they have big time fun on the weekends.

Appalled as I am by the ATVs in New Haven, we should perhaps count ourselves lucky no one has lost his/her sh*t in the manner I read about at wtnh just now: http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/news/news_ap_man_charged_with_shooting_at_atv_200904231325
Hope that link works. If not, sorry. You can always just visit wtnh.com to find the story...

Eva, if the ATVs are as bad as they were last weekend, I honestly wouldn't be surprised if someone took matters into their own hands and tried to stop them, vigilante-style. The authorities need to step it up and keep these punks from ruining the entire city.

FIRST OF ALL I CANNOT BELIEVE THAT ALL OF YOU CAN CONSIDER THESE KIDS "PUNKS","HOODLUMS","ROVING GANGS" ETC. THEY ARE KIDS! GRANTED THEY ARE DOING SOMETHING ILLEGAL AND I SEE IT ALL THE TIME.THEIR PARENTS ARE TO BLAME.LET ME ASK YOU WHAT CAN THE POLICE DO? HAVE YOU EVER RIDDEN AN ATV/MOTORCROSS BIKE,YOU CAN BLOW THE POLICE AWAY IN ABOUT 2 SECONDS.THEY ARE NOT ABOUT TO START SCREAMING AROUND THE CITY AFTER THESE KIDS AND GET THEM KILLED QUICKER THAN THEY WILL ON THERE OWN.DO YOU PEOPLE REALY THINK THAT THESE INNER CITY KIDS WILL START A GROUP TO ADVOCATE FOR A LEGAL PLACE TO RIDE? MY 16 YEAR OLD SON RIDES HIS BIKE IN MY TOWN AND I LET HIM.HE GOES ON THE STREET TO GET TO HIS TRAILS.YOU CANNOT REGISTER THESE BIKES BECAUSE THEY DO NOT HAVE BRAKE LIGHTS,BLINKERS ETC. THERE ARE VERY FEW PLACES TO RIDE LEGALLY.HE GOES TO THOMASTON DAM. MILFORD RIDERS IS A CLUB THAT YOU MUST JOIN (NOT CHEAP) AND FIRST YOU HAVE TO GET ON A WAITING LIST AND IT IS FOR RACING ONLY.DO YOU REALY THINK THAT THESE KIDS WOULD BE ALLOWED TO USE THE OLD LANDFILL OR THESE FLOOD PLAINS THAT YOU TALK ABOUT.NO WAY, LIABILTY (OH MY GOSH) MORE LAWSUITS, ENVIRONMENTALIST ETC..GET REAL. THIS STATE SUCKS FOR MOTOCROSS AND ATV ACTIVITY.

booo hoooo hoooo theres atvs/and dirtbikes riding on the street what about real crimes you people are a joke !!! i feel sorry for you if this is what you consider a priority in new haven with all the crazy things that happen in the city like real crimes shootings,muggings and drug dealing !!! get a life

vigilantes??? for dirtbikes thats the funniest thing ever !! isnt that breaking the law and against what you say these "hoods" are doing ? resident you and everyone on here complaining wouldnt do squat or say as much as a peep if you seen these kids so please lets cut the tough guy antics we all know you wouldnt A THING !!!

a. What makes you think that "real" crimes aren't also the subject of our concern? Believe me, they are.

b. You're saying we have to wait until someone dies from illegal ATV/dirtbike use before making an issue out of it? Oh wait, somebody did, last summer. So, it's an issue.

c. Frankly, given the frequency and location of this behaviour (as documented at length in this discussion), my kids and I are more likely to be knocked over by one of these vehicles on our way around town than we are to be mugged or shot. So yeah, it's a "real crime" in my book.

NO ONES GOING TO COLCHESTER ,ROCKYHILL OR WINDSOR TO RIDE ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND !!!

people die everyday from shootings thats the issue and your saying your most likely to get hit by a dirtbike than get mugged or shot ??? are you out of your mind ??do you even live in newhaven ??" its a real crime " thats funny
and so is your logic
'

Anyone see this?
m.bailey AT newhavenindependent.org

Man flees police on ATV

Updated: Thursday, 23 Apr 2009, 7:04 PM EDT
Published : Thursday, 23 Apr 2009, 3:51 PM EDT

New Haven (WTNH) - A New Haven man is under arrest after fleeing from
police while driving an ATV.

It started in the Fair Haven section of the city when 30-year old
Michael Fernandez ran a stop sign while on the ATV. Fernandez sped
away at high speeds away from New Haven's finest. From Fair Haven, he
eventually made his way to Quinnipiac Avenue. Going south in the wrong
lane at the 1400 block, he collided with a squad car, damaging the
driver side mirror. The ATV then struck a small tree.

But Fernandez was not done running. After the quad came to a stop, he
used his feet rather than a motor, running away from officers who
caught up to him and made the arrest

Fernandez complained of head and neck pain once he was placed into a
police car. He was taken to an area hospital. He is charged with
reckless driving, endangerment, interfering with a police officer and
criminal mischief.

Is there a reason that we can not be concerned both for the violence in this city and for traffic safety at the same time? If we all want this city to be a better place to live, perhaps a better view to take is that we should watch out for the city as a whole. The point of SeeClickFix is to have the opportunity to speak up about the things in our environment that we want to improve, regardless of scale. Blasting one another for caring, whether it's about gun violence, graffiti, or ATVs, isn't the way to make things better.

I'm working on a story on this rite of spring and police enforcement and am looking for community voices of people impacted by dirt bikes and quads racing up and down their streets. Any takers? I'm at 982-5911

"People die every day in shootings" in New Haven? I don't think so. By the way, over 100 Americans die every day in traffic crashes - way more than the number who die in shootings. Can't you get it through your head that the ATVs are a problem? It isn't just about deaths, it is about the quality of life and people's sense of security within neighborhoods. Maybe you can picture it in money terms. Every time an ATV goes by your house, property values drop by several hundred dollars.

If found guilty, I hope Mr. Michael Fernandez is locked up for at least 5 years without parole. He has caused serious and lasting damage to his neighbors, to the police, and to society at large. Not to mention putting at least several people at risk of death.

By the way If an officer had tripped and been killed trying to chase that idiot, Mr. Fernandez could have been locked up for life for murder.

This is a thread about ATVs, so we're talking about ATVs. There are plenty of other threads addressing what you call "real crime." We’re involved in those too, because we work to make life better for ourselves and our community. Frankly I have a hard time believing that kids with such little respect for other people's safety and the law aren't involved in "real crimes." So if you're going to get busted for riding rather than banging or clocking on the corner, fine by me. Act like a punk and you’ll get treated like a punk. You all have made it pretty obvious that talking to you is a complete waste of time, so I'm done. I'm not arguing with a bunch of wannabe tough guys who don't have the mental capacity to carry on a conversation. Just remember before you go popping your mouth off and threatening people, there are plenty of people out there who aren’t afraid of little kids on scooters.

Dirtbikes -- three -- headed north on Nicoll St. at 1.18 p.m. (i.e., just now)... lovely... watched one of them do a wheelie in front of the house... here we go again...

you cannot register an atv! (no brake lights,blinkers etc.). The police need to crack down but it is definitely a hard thing to do.you can't just start chasing them around the city.I agree that this is a problem and something needs to be done.I just ask why all the "hate".The punks and the tough guys wannabe's standing up to the atv gangs? And to say that all of this is ruining the city get real people!!!

Yup! Saw them two coming down by my office on east street. 3 of them, 2 dirtbikes and an quad, popping wheelies the whole way, must have made their way to Nicoll. Not enough time to take a picture unfortunately.

I'm headed that way.
I'll try to get a pic.

just saw them at 1:15 today (Friday), one quad and two dirtbikes, crossing Orange St. @ Canner, heading West on Canner.

Todd, you apparently missed all of the removed postings where these kids posted their "opinions" along with threats of physical violence. And the "hate" you site is people fed up with three years of this crap, no police enforcement, and these kids coming on the boards to taunt the police and the people who try to help make this city a better place. And yes, if I'm threatened and told I will be harmed if I continue to push for their apprehension and arrest, I will stand my ground. Protecting myself and my family does not make me a "wannabe."

Same group heading South on Front St only very recently going down the middle of the street. Where are the Darwin Awards when we need them?

J.Hart- you are correct i did not see all of the removed posts.Sorry, i sympathize with your situation.I lived in new haven at one time.I had a few kids throw a rock threw my window and i caught them.i was told by the police to let them go and let's go see what happened.I told them and they said let the kids go!!!i was then told maybe it was time that i moved!! so good luck with the nhpd

Yes, Todd, I've been noting but disappointed with the NHPD since arriving here many years ago. I've lived all over the world and I've seen cops in New Haven let things slide that would get you locked away in a third world country. I'm sure that the folks of the NHPD are good people and do their best, but that matters very little when all you see are the results. And the results are an embarrassment.

Please try to get some good photos. I'll stand out on Chapel Street in Fair Haven this weekend and try to snap some when the group inevitably comes by.

Don't forget to have a phone close at hand. Even if the police do nothing about it it's good to call in in and officially register your complaint. I would also suggest you do so in a public setting in case their threats are anything more than false bravado.

Friday April 24, 8:45pm: the streets around Wooster Square are echoing loudly of motor bikes accelerating to very high rates of speed! Let's get these kids off the streets!

hey dan,
no-not mad. definetly concerned. want to sit down & talk about this? 203 843 1866. curious about what you think. maybe we all can rsolve this. thanks. david

What can be done? are you dreaming? The NHPD DOES NOT enforce those laws-I have lived here 30 years and have witnessed violations in front of officers and they do nothing; one time kids rode the atv's on the sidewalk almost striking us; I showed the kids and atv's to the police, the embarassed officer said they were instructed to leave them alone and drove off

ray I don't doubt that happened but the recent pursuit @arrest confirms that lewis is going to enforce these laws !

Seems Like the Police Made 10 arrests this week.
Check out this article:
http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2009/04/27/news/new_haven/a1_--_neatv.txt

Also check out this great ride along that the New Haven independent did:
http://www.newhavenindependent.org/archives/2009/04/weekend_enforce.php

WTNH Just did a story about this as well and used some of the photos above.

Also this story here:
http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/elm-citys-quad-squad-hits-the-road.html

FINALLY a police chief who understands the REAL issue: "It's an issue of contempt for the neighborhoods, contempt for the community members, contempt for the city." Chief Lewis 4/26/09

edited* AND MY GREEN BIKE IS NOT STOLEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!and nether are the other 1s

No one suggested they were, Green Mohawk Kid. What other fascinating tidbits do you care to share with us?

Why are you posting? We posted with a specific goal--fixing an issue that we view as a problem. Why are you here?

Do you want something from us?

I've put up my contact information. Let's talk.
dls@davidstreever.com

Have these guys been playing too much "Mafia Driver 2" lately?

Game description: "Drive around and kill pedestrians walking in your way. Pass all levels to beat the game!"

[edited for content] is wrong wit use y ya wont us off tha dirt bikes u ppl think ya gettin use off its not gonna work [edited for content]

ya MAD bc use cant get use dont be mad get a life stop worryin bout tha dirtbike bc more ya do all these we will juss keep doing it[edited for content]

Keep on doing it, we'll be there with cameraphones, video recorders and seeclickfix, reporting you every step of the way!
You can't really go anywhere around New Haven any more since you don't know who is going to be tracking your movements all over town.

News clip from Winnipeg:

Man charged after ATV kills pedestrian
An ATV driving at a high-rate of speed hit the man who was walking in the same direction on the side of the road.

[edited for content]

I have told the Police the location of where they are storing the ATV's for 4 years now. Its about time they are doing somethinf. I was going to buy one myself and ride it in front of the Mayors house until something was done.

Dan, you DO realize that every time you write on this thread an email gets sent to the police, right? You couldn't be THAT stupid as to threaten physical harm on people on a public website, could you?

Dan, writing that you are going to "break someone's face" if they legally take a photograph on a public street constitutes a threat that could get you arrested.

i dont [edited for content]

juss give me 10 resons ya do lik tha atvs an dirtbike if u dont we will keep ridin them?????/

dan the man,

Let me try to summarize the points you've made so far:

1. you don't care that your riding endangers others; it's fun for you
2. those people who object to your riding are crazy, homosexual, old, boring, or all of the above
3. you dare the police to stop you; you don't believe they can
4. you will continue riding your illegal vehicle in any manner that amuses you until you're physically stopped

Is that pretty much it?

yea right most of the people said we run cuz the bikes are stolin for your info i got my green bike from NEW HAVIN POWER SPORTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and the matching helimet and mohawk TO STREEVER

ohh yeah why dont u ppl like that green mohawk hes a great kid use r juss mad because we have fun an ya dont got nothing to do with ur lifes so hop off the dirtbikes and get somthingbetter to do thats not cool at all messen r fun up well trying to mess it up but its not gonna happen ur mad bc he knows how to do stunts an have fun so juss fall back..... thanx come backkk

o yea and STREEVER for sum more info i ride on sundays all over new haven haging wheelys for blocks im a pretty populer rider 4 a14 year old (o and thats my next bike) im going to need a yellow mohawk for that 1

use r gonna have to call tha cops for this now bc im going buy one a nice loud one then im gonna ride over every bodys lawn that i thinkis up here talken junk

Hey guys,

no need to keep sending me messages here. Send me a line & we'll sit down and talk about this ok? This is not a big deal. Let's meet & figure out what you guys want & what will make everyone happy.

No need to be antagonistic with me here--I'm not bashing you guys. I want us all to work this out.

dear turing test

1 ur missen tha other6 reason
2 yea im deain tha cops to get behind me i wish they will bc ill laugh at them an then i will be gone on tha cops tha cop dont but noe fear in my heart.... somif u wanna be a cop come chase us see wat will happen to ur car it will be in tha dust with tha cops so y u even talken to me ur nothing so juss get off my ****

Dear dan the man,

Thanks for clarifying.

Best,
-TuringTest

and a j hart (WE LIVE IN NEW HAVEN) u need to b a resedent of milford

does this look familiar looks like its tha greenmohawk kid it looks lik i lost my mohawk by getten chased by tha cops

yeah, Pedro!

can't wait for dan to get arrested...

and Green Mohawk kid as well...

Lovely comment on WTNH's website. Does Alex Rhodeen have a watch list?

Come to New Haven Motor cross.

Dirt Bike, Quads, Go Carts, all of terrain motor vehicles there is a legal place to ride. Let everyone know. Come to New Haven Motor cross. We always call him and he never answers. Our own 13-DWARD… Alexander Rhodes 469-2141. JUST rings and rings.

Come to: Fairmont Park
On Clifton St.
Fair Haven Heights, New Haven, CT

Dirt path made…Lawns all cut up for your convenience to follow the path… All are welcome. From small to old…. After riding for hours you can head down Clifton St. to Alling Memorial Golf Course

Don’t worry, Neighbors have called the police but NO ONE EVER shows up. We even have on video of police driving by and not doing anything. It’s Great.. SO, Come on down… We are waiting.. Have fun. Stay off the streets……….They never bother you there at Fairmont Park…. We love the Noise..

http://www.wtnh.com/dpp/news/news_wtnh_newhaven_quad_squad_200904272305_rev1#idc-ctools

yo green mohawk kid we ridin this week end or wat we all over tha news we mines well have fun..... we going in fair haven al over there

yea lets hit up chapel so 1 of thes old @#$% can take a pic of me doin a wheel and put that on the news WERE NEVER GOIN TO B STOPED!!!!!!!!!!

were tha #4* best were gonna **** tha feild up by that baseball park on clefton bc that were that guy is so we could go back on tha news were ****** famus we will never ever be stop wat wat put it an ur #4*% but.....lol

hec yea

matter fact im going ridin tomorrow i dont noe bout u but ill be out there rain or not idc bout tha cops they could kiss my *** yea wat so copers ya better be ready an ur gas tank better be on full bc use r gonna chase me all day into i get tired.....lmao wat wat yea put in tha cop but;..... (nohomo)

it is a good thing that chief lewis has created a bike squad, but it won't last as other priorities will preempt the program; in a nutshell, the problem is this; public safety constrains the cops from chasing the riders; from the kids point of view, city streets/lawns/parks are their countryside, after all, if a rick kid lives in the country with many acres available they can ride with abandon; so, what is the solutiion? create a park where they can ride the dirt bikes legally; sure, there will still be kids who ride in public, but, the numbers will go way down if there is an alternative

It's not a bad idea Ray: I'm concerned about the specific implementation, and that's why I want Dan & his friends to speak with some of us in person.

A. How do they get there? Chances are by riding their quad there, right? This could actually make it really easy to enforce the law.
B. What is a good spot in the city? This use will destroy the land whereever we put it.
C. How many users? The more users, the more destruction.

Other alternatives include continuing to crack down & going after the places that sell these, possibly to kids who then drive them home from there, We do have laws requiring these vehicles to be registered: if places selling them don't do this, that's another angle.

wat happen streever u told us to call u we did u dont pick up i want to here wat u got to say

The reason that these kids are riding on the streets is because there is know where else to ride. The only place kids can bring their bikes is rocky hill or moto town. Also at rocky guads are not allowed so the guad kids are screwed. Motocross is becomming a huge sport. Last year the mx champion made over 10 mill just from racing so of course they are interested. I also have a dirtbike and do not live in new haven but my town is the same there is no where to ride so we have to make or find places. You can get every cop in new haven to go after these kid and you may catch some but you will never stop all of us. It is not somthing that is fun it is a way of life and it takes lots of time and detication to get good at it. I guess my point is that there is no way that you will ever stop these kids. The only thing that I can think of us give the some place that they can ride. That way they can ride and not get in trouble and they will not hurt others.

thats wat im talkin bout bc i aint trying to get hit off mine only thing they gotta do is make use a place to ride if not we will still ride on tha streets.....

kidthatknowswhatitslike,
It seems to me that we all want a safe place for the dirtbikes and ATVs. A lot of us on here are concerned about safety - this whole conversation is about unsafe, illegal activity.
I haven't seen anyone say that they are anit-ATVs, just that they are against the way that the ATVs are being used.

OK, sure, but Dan: I "ain't trying to get hit" by an ATV or quad bike on the street or in the park, either. But you don't see me promising to keep breaking into your garage and slashing your tires until you find yourselves a legal place to ride. Because that would be exactly as criminal as your continued boasts about how you're going to keep riding on the roads and in the parks.

You're getting a remarkable amount of concession and dialogue here. If you want some respect and help from people who are in a position to help organize you guys a place to ride, maybe you and your buddies could show good faith by promising to abide by the law in the meantime.

Respect goes both ways, surely?

If they stop riding on the streets then the cops and and all the people will that are complaining about them will be like we scared them off and nothing will happen. It has been like this since my dad was a little kid and nothing has changed so I think the only way to get through to the people in charge is threats. So I think that they should continue to ride the streets the same amount if not more and then maybe then they will realize that they will never stop and they have to make a place for us to ride.

Oh, sure, threats get through to people . . . but they get through in a bad way. Threatening people and riding in unsafe, illegal ways only turns people against you.

It's that simple.

If, on the other hand, ATV and dirtbike riders show themselves to be law-abiding citizens, and try to talk to people about getting their own space, they are more likely to be taken seriously.

To all of you whining about having no place to ride, grow up. Your pleas for a place to ride make you sound like a bunch of babies crying to mommy for a candy bar.

No one's going to give you a place to ride, it's not their problem, it's yours. The taxpayers of this town aren't responsible for funding your pipe dreams of motocross glory, deal with it.

The city is closing a bunch of senior centers and laying off workers because of the budget crisis. If you think their going to spend money on a place for you to ride then you're all even dumber than your comments suggest.

-Tom

kidthatknowswhatitslike,
what have you actually gotten done?
Some of us here are community members who have actually gotten a lot done. Breaking the law is pretty much a guarantee that you won't get what you want, though.

GreenMohawk: you only called once. I was busy at the time and it was from a private number. Why don't you drop me an e-mail letting me know what time you'll call, and I'll be ready for you.

Amen, Tom. Way to lay down the law. Now please, let's round up these scofflaws and lock them up. If the penalties for this deadly behavior are as low as what the newspaper articles suggested, then I am appalled.

The funny thing is you will never catch the.....if they are any good.

1. Dirt bikes and quads are way faster the cop cars. Take off speed

2. Dirt bikes and quads can go through feilds and inbetween cars and in way smaller places the cars

3. Some of the bigger bikes have the same top speed of a car if not more.

So I guess what im trying to say is that the cops have no chance unless they crash witch if they are good they won't.

they've caught over a dozen in the last week. Re-examine your math.

and remember, "You can't outrun police radio" :).

i can out run that radio any day that s another (RIDE) in the park and i like u kid that knows what its like (nohomo) them were sum true facts

Is that what you want for your kids?
Aren't you nervous that the police have issued 12 tickets? Clearly they managed to catch 12 already. Is that what you want for your kids someday, or would you rather work on developing a motocross park nearby?

One of those ATV's is mine! I hope they check to see if it's stolen also. These bikes on the street are for the most part stolen! They take them from towns that have places to ride. As far as responding to an accident, maybe they will learn when someone gets hurt.

thanx for pics of ur crappy bikes. Now I know what to look for. whats to stop the average citizen from running you over or turning into your lane of travel at the last second while your doin 50 . *edited by admin. whose gonna get in trouble you, riding the illegal vehicle or me with OMG i'm so sorry I didn't see him. cops got liability and no motivation, I don't so u better look out cause my truck is bigger than that 2-3 wheeler. no guilt with ur attitudes and disregard for people who work & live here. run as fast as u want i'm just waitin for u to blink. cops ain't gonna do nothun as usual. ever try talking to a dispatcher?? i missed the part where the dispathchers who are civilians decide what is and what isn't a crime.

doinitmyself, I hear you on that! That goes for stupid people that think that they can just cross the street whenever they feel like it. Put on up on the hood, and who gets in trouble?

This is still an ongoing issue: an ER nurse I know told me about a man who was brought into the hospital Friday night after being severely beaten by a gang of ATV riders.
Apparently they surrounded his car, and he got out in anger.

I know the rhetoric goes on & on here, people, but PLEASE do not attempt to confront a gang of law-breakers. Sitting down & talking about ways to get the bikes off the streets == good. Violent confrontations == bad. I really hope the man who was beaten is ok and the police can catch the specific people who did this. It's a level of lawlessness none of us can tolerate.

IF you know who the individuals are please contact the police. You know you don't want your neighborhood to never get better.

just more proof that the police need stay proactive on this issue and stop letting "minor" illegal activity go unpunished, it just escalates because there are no consequences. Its not hard to catch people who ride LOUD atvs and go around beating people up if you just do some good old fashioned police work and respond to calls from the public- just cause u can't catch them NOW doesn't mean you should avoid responding to the complaint. When the cat is away the mice shall play

good to hear about more ATV stops ths wekend

whats with ATV riders beating people up?

I have been riding dirt bikes for over 40 years. I still have a dirt bike, trouble is there is nowhere to ride it anymore. Why not create a place with rules for kids to go to ride? That would keep them out off the streets and maybe off drugs too

Old Dirt Bike Rider: these kids aren't willing to talk or express themselves. They've resorted to violence. It's hard to serve that community.

If some people who enjoy dirt bike riding, and are not violent, step up, they may be able to do it themselves, and receive support.

As a cyclist, I didn't ask others to do the hard work for us--I got involved & did research & made specific requests & pushed & pushed for years. As did the rest of us. We have in exchange a city that keeps improving in bike & walk-ability.

I don't think anyone is opposed to the creation of something for dirt bike riding, but the people who really want it have to step up & do some of the work. Propose sites, etc.

I can't imagine the city is going to create a "director of dirt bike & atv use" any time soon, and it's definitely easier to arrest/ticket violent people than sit down & talk to them.

@Old Dirty Bike Rider (ODB, funny)

A while back I posted about five places where you can ride legally. It took me all of 3 seconds to type "dirt tracks" into Google. Some of those may be private clubs. I don't know. But the only response we got was along the lines of "you're crazy if you think we're going out to Colchester." Aside from ignoring the fact that there are closer tracks these kids have made it pretty clear that they're just going to do whatever the hell they want to do regardless of who they put in danger. Any good will they might have had was quickly squandered when they started taunting the people that offered to help them. Oh, and beating decent, law-abiding folks.

Streever, I am opposed to the creation of a track or similar if public funds are involved. First, there are state parks where you can ride so we've already paid for those through state and Federal taxes. There are also private tracks and clubs where you can pay to use the facilities. Second, these kids have made it clear that they won't be inconvenienced by having to go somewhere proper. Third I'm quite tired of seeing my tax dollars used for the benefit of everybody but those who pay in. At some point we have to draw the line at where it is appropriate and beneficial to spend public funds. I'm certainly not going to support a track for thugs at the expense of a reading program or a sports league. This is not to mention the need for better infrastructure, more police, better schools, ad all of the things that New Haven needs to improve before worrying about a dirt track.

Lastly, before anybody starts crying about how they can't afford the price of a club or how are they going to get all the way to Colchester, you had enough money to buy the bike or quad. You can pick up an old junker of a pickup for less than $2k. You can pay for some track time. You just don't want to. You'd rather ride in the streets because it's free and you don't care.

Personally, I spend a heck of a lot on my sport shooting hobby. You don't see me going shooting on the city streets just because I don't want to pay for range time.

yes,...I can see that, but there just kids... For me, it's not much fun riding a dirt bike on the streets..I want hills jumps, mud and sand. When I was young I rode up East Rock, West Rock, Water co property, CL&P property (Power lines)...it was illigeal but cops didn't bother us too much. Noise is a big problem too. but if there was a place to go it would have to be a "ride at your own risk" type thing.

did anyone witness the roving gangs of ATVs this weekend? or have things gotgten better?

No, I saw a pack roaring down Crescent towards Fournier.

Although considerably quieter in our neck of Fair Haven, I heard the ATV/Dirtbike cavalcade on East Grand and around Chatham Square. They stayed off of Front St., unless you count the overweight 40 something dude in ill-fitting clothes on an even more ill-fitting pocket bike as one of these ilk. He looked like an escapee from some freak-show Shriner parade alone on his mini(mini) dirtbike. Minus the fez. And the clown get-up. Or any of the cool accoutrements of the Shriners for that matter.

It won't get better until the police do something about it. Telling the police where the bikes are located doesn't work. what is community to do??? Maybe if we all rented quads and rode them up and down church street in front of City Hall every day until the Mayor was tired of hearing them outside his office might help, what are the cops gonna do chase us???? These kids are lost causes with there attitudes, giving them a place to ride won't provide the same lawlessness thrill they get from "Mad Maxing" it on the street. Channel 8 wrote an article but did not provide a contact # to the quad squad. Do they even exisist or is it just more politically righteousness. New Haven chooses what traffic crimes to enforce, not all are treated equal. I drove by a cop yesterday who was parked in front of one of those speed radar displays. The person in front of me was doing 52 in a 25 in front of a school. Do you think they did anything???

Yea,..after reading more of this thread it seems the kids want to ride on the streets with these bikes even though they should be in the dirt.. Maybe it's more to impress there friends that to have fun riding. Too bad a few hoodlums are giving the rest of us bikers a bad image.

On 5/12/09 a comment was posted regarding a man who was beaten by a gang of thugs on ATV's. Is there any information on his condition..or has there been an arrest?

Credit given when credit due. Check the link for the most recent arrests and contact name of the officer in charge of the "quad squad" http://newhavenindependent.org/archives/2009/05/dirt_bikers_bus.php

I was born and raised in New Haven, and have been living in Florida for the past 17 years. I have been following this issue and am completely blown away! What's the status...is it getting any better?

I know there is a quad and dirt bike garaged on Maltby . I don't have the exact address right now. It's between Grafton and Pine. in a 3 car detached and brick. I've seen them myself in the garage and running on the streets. It's a blue quad and yellow and white bike.

maybe post a photo of the quads in the garage on here.

Kim, it's totally gotten better.This little thread appeared to have spurred the city, the police and the community into action.
I can personally say that since the crackdown, I have not seen a single dirtbike or quad on East Street during the week, when I used to see 3-4 per day.

I agree, Pedro. When this first started, massive gangs of bikes were flying around the New Haven Green and all over Fair Haven and Wooster Square. If they're still out now, at least they are being confined to certain parts of the city.

Or maybe the weather just hasn't been as nice...

most atv riders do not respect private property. i have posted don't tresspass signs on my property and it makes no difference. continue to complain. get more to complain. with enough complaints the police will do something in order to cut down on the complaints.

Wow, almost up to 6,000 page views on this. Great work to everyone who helped distribute the issue and attract attention... especially the local management teams.

I haven't seen as many bikes lately, but could be the weather.

atvs do not respect private property. i have do not trespass signs and yet they still go through at all hours. i want to ban them all.

two dirtbike riders spotted on Canner @ Orange St. - green kawasaki (?) rider has orange mohawk on his helmet.

Dirt bikes in Dixwell on Friday night. Please fix this!

Saw some idiot "drifting" his four wheel ATV on rice fields on sunday, while a pickup baseball and two pick up soccer games were being played. He weaved in and out of various bystanders for 5 minutes before roaring off. Hispanic fellow on a blue quad.

I was almost knocked down while taking a jog on the trails at East Rock park by the fellow with green mohawk. They cut down the trail between roads at the bottom near rice field, making me jump quickly out of the way as i didnt expect them down the trail.

So i'd like to see this dealt with too.

Greenwich ave,dirt bikes,scooters with no mufflers.speeding.racing fights everynight. come live here!

Greenwich Ave is crazy. How does the city expect to build its tax base if it is so out of control? More quality of life enforcement is needed.

People on Greenwich Ave Contact Lt. Leo Bombalicki he is charge of the Quad Squad.call 946-6316 for his contact # and cell.

Reckless, noisy clowns on Quads/ATV's (along with snowmobile's in the winter) have also been riding illegally, plaguing the East Shore section of New Haven for years. Blasting up & down Townsend Ave, tearing up Black Rock Fort area etc.

Advance warning for NHPD; they go crazy, blaring past the Townsend mansion just about EVERY evening after a snow storm, zig zagging like a drunken Santa on crack, sliding across the centerline towards oncoming traffic, dangerously passing and cutting off cars etc.

We want these uninsured deadly missiles stopped!

Re. dirt bikes, here's another local club that offers a legal place to ride offroad:
Meriden Motorcycle Club
Description: Meetings held every Thursday night at the club 8p.m. Stantack Road – Meriden , CT. 203-235-9669 (Main contact phone) Terry Byrnes, President & Trustee 203-776-2813 X:180 (Days) 203-795-7076 (Nights)

Contact Information: TERRY.BYRNES@RADIALL.COM

Bring your kids too:
http://itmsphotos.exposuremanager.com/g/meriden_motorcycle_club_-_pee_wee_10am_race_62009_

More clubs from the New England Trail Riders Association:
http://www.netra.org/clubs/list

Dixwell Newhallville taxpayers want this fixed too! Wanna bet there's more screeching here than in east shore?

I live in Westbrook. The same mentality prevails here as well. ATV enthusiasts are the same here. I can no longer sit on my back porch with a cup of coffee and enjoy serenity, remember serenity? When I called the local PD to complain about the noise factor I was told "YOU must learn to get along with your neighbors. Hum, something tells me that the officer I spoke with went riding his ATV after work. I have relented to the fact that they are destroying our pristine woodlands with their rutting and exhaust, but it's the noise that really bothers me. Why do they have to rev them up so loud? Can't they just hold up a big sign that says "I NEED ATTENTION - LOOK AT ME, LOOK AT ME?" So, as an adult tax-paying citizen, I have no rights - the kids on ATVs do. It sucks. To the parents who condone this behavior the solution is simple, move to New Hampshire or better yet, invite them all into your backyard and you listen to the 'noise pollution'. As somone who grew up and visits New Haven often I have empathy for the citizens there. I've also been run off of South Frontage Road in New Haven several times as they buzz by me while I'm sitting at red lights - abiding the law. If I were to accidentally hit one, I'm sure the breeders who birthed these 'thugs of tomorrow' would be very remorseful and over dramatic before suing me. I'm sure these breeders who birth these junior thugs are sitting proud scratching their private parts, @#$% and belching while swilling their Budweiser - take pride in knowing you've done a great job with the youth of tomorrow. To the PD personnel who turn their heads, here's hoping that the house next door to you is sold to one of these lawless, self-concerned, irrating, it's all about me-attitude families. Here's a clue, walk New Haven's beautiful parks, as the jogger in East Rock Park was doing. Savor the solitude of nature and its beauty.

you guys are losers! there just kids having fun. would you rather them sell drugs? get a life

I would rather see them riding bicycles, but I'm sure there are many people who would rather see them riding head on into a brick wall or selling drugs and getting shot or overdosing... These machines don't belong anywhere, especially, where they are tearing up nature.

No, I'd rather they rode them LEGALLY at the many parks around the state which allow it, instead of dangerously on the streets, where dirt bike riders have died & put people in the hospital.

Or they could do their homework instead. Or they could come plant trees with us. Or.... there are lots of options that don't include selling drugs for young people. I'm so tired of hearing there is nothing to do in New Haven. I don't get a single night free a week!

"Having fun"? More like stealing hundreds of people's quality of life, sense of security and possibly their lives. This behavior needs to stop.

plant some trees ??? thats funny why dont you move to mars maybe theres no atvs up there and take all your buddies with you we wont miss you in fact well throw an atv party in your honor get a life go plant some trees or maybe you should go smoke some trees *edited for offensive content!! peace out

wow! what a great suggestion! planting and smoking trees on mars.
i guess we don't need to worry about the quality of new haven's schools with creativity such as this coming from the mouths of babes!
i mean, a strong point too about not having a life if you don't speed recklessly almost killing people on streets where you don't belong. i know i felt SO alive when i almost was run over on mitchell drive! why should i presume to be able to walk in my neighborhood, or any neighborhood, and not be run over? yay for scaring people so badly they move away or stop visiting and destroy new haven's economy!

I just don't get the stupidity of half of you people this is why we have these problems, maybe JOE, who says get a life would like them riding up & dowm his street every day for hours at a time at 170 db (thats decibels for the inept and thats louder than a firearm) or how bout letsgoplantsometrees I would gladly ride an ATV outside ur house from 1am till 5am the night before a college exam test or job interview. GET REAL PEOPLE either complain to the man in charge or drop the comments. Contact Lt. Leo Bombalicki he is charge of the Quad Squad.call 946-6316 for his contact # and cell. (*Content removed for violation of terms of use.)

I live in East Haven and watch kids every day ride motorized bikes and ATV's up and down a busy thoroughfare (with out helmets). They ride down the middle of the road at speeds close to the excessive speeds that autos drive on this road (40- 50 mph or better).
I know that once a child get hits, it will put the end (for a awhile) to this, and most likely the driver of the auto will be at fault.
There are plenty of woods in the area for the kids to ride ... PLEASE keep your children off the main roads and show them how to play in safe areas, before it is too late.
I too am an ATV owner, but I ride in appropriate areas -- not on public streets.

Newhallville cop says ATV sightings have been getting less frequent:
http://www.newhavenindependent.org/archives/2009/07/reaching_out_in.php

well build the kids a track or designate a riding area. Its ridiculous kids are riding on the street and not in the woods. Cars came to a screeching halt. I'm soooooo sure about that buddy....efin geek i bet you got some pics of 14 year old girls on that cell phone too.

Some one emailed SeeClickFix about this issue to say: "i know every one of these kids rideing these bikes all are good kids. i`d rather see them rideing dirtbikes rather than gang banging or selling drugs!"

Perhaps when the entire group is run over and splattered on the road. This will stop. Of course the parents will blame everyone but themselves for the tragedy waiting to happen. The only loser in this scenario is the driver of the vehicle that will kill them.

So the individual who emailed Miles @ SeeClickFix is suggesting that these "good" kids' only options for daily activities are 1. ride illegal dirt bikes 2. gang banging 3. selling drugs??

I livwe near the intersection of Chapel and Sherman and they are constantly speeding up and down both streets and to make matters worse this part of Chapel is one way and they constantly are going up the wrong way and no one does anything abouit them.

Are they still speeding in that area, Concerned Mom? This activity needs to stop!

To Resident, Yes they are. I saw them yesterday. Theres always 2 or 3 of them together some on dirt bikes some on ATVs. Its out of hand Especailly them going the wrong way down Chapel. Its only a matter of time before an accident occurs because of it.

To resident and concerned mom
Contact Lt. Leo Bombalicki he is charge of the Quad Squad.call 946-6316 for his contact # and cell.

Thank You doinitmyself. will call tomorrow and discuss it with him.

hey doinitmyself there are no dirtbikes or quads that can make 170db the most is 102 and these are people doin what they like to do. you could gladly ride a quad around my house allday ide love it and join in. you guys jus want something to complain about.

hey doinitmyself remeber you said "If he doesn't respond to your complaints then we can all have some fun with moving target practice."
your gona shoot at kids for riding?, like joe said get a life

joe i love you man

Concerned Mom, would you be interested in speaking to reporters about this problem?

There was a front page NH Register article about this a few months ago and it would be important to show this is still a problem. Mary O'Leary wrote the earlier story, she's at .

To Joe and I HATE PPL;

There's an awful lot I'd like to say to you, but at the end of the day it doesn't matter much since you seem to feel that it's OK to endanger people's lives and break the law. I'm not going to change your mind.

Here's my point. Every time you respond on this topic, you add to the post count, increasing the popularity and visibility of this topic. You then trigger an update email to all of the watchers on this list including the police, parks department, LCI, various alderpersons, etc. You then get a bunch of people responding to your ill-informed gibberish, which, in turn, generates even MORE emails to list watchers. This then puts pressure on the cops and the city to crack down.

Get it? No? OK, I'll make it simple. Each time you post, we all get a good laugh because you are actually helping those of us who want something done about the ATVs in the streets. Your responses have helped make this the number one topic on SCF. Not dealing, prostitution, or murder. This. Every time you respond you are reminding the police and city representatives that this is an issue. And you make it look far bigger than it is. Do you know how hard people have to work to get such a large, grass-roots following? It's a huge effort that we could have never done without your help. Thanks! If it wasn't for you, we'd probably have four or five people on this topic. You want the cops to leave you alone? Stop responding and this thread will probably only get one or two hits a month. Keep responding, and you keep the heat on yourself. *edited for content

To J. Hart

You are so correct. Very well said.

Oh, man, J. Hart. Why the heck did you have to clue these bone-heads in? It was so much fun watching them shoot themselves in the foot. :)

man you guys are makin this more fun for us. we love bein chased

im sorry for bothering you kids tryin to have fun on your atvs. im a loser

hahaha doinitmyself must of gave up, lets tear the streets up

hey why dont you guys stop chasin and complaing about these this kids who jus wana have fun. why dont you guys try to help them find a legal place to ride? if you help them maybe theyl respect you

hay joe u sem kool j. hart knows me i was the talk of this hole thing thay all were talking bout the guy on the green dirt bike with the green helmet and the life of the hole thing the green mohawk and im only 14 i ride cuz its what i grew up doing and i love doing it riding is sumthing that once it gets in u it never gets out yea i raced at milford riders whem a friend of the family lived thir he past so i waz forced to ride on the street i live in new haven so i cant go to milford riders (need to live in milford) i have no problem riding on the street but i always get chased dirt bikes turned my live around i was 10 years old when i got aresed fof sellin drugs so drugs or dirt bikes ill go with dirt bikes

*comment removed for threatening language

i dont live in new haven, but i do the same thing, if you provide a place for us to ride which is close, we'll be off the street

i am a dirtbike rider that rides and lives in fair haven and also other communities and have been chased by the law plenty of times but their attempts to catch me always ended poorly. but were usually in cliton field and the police tell us to leave because of the damage and we listen but they usually come to my house anyways. they even once got a report about me and came to my to give me a ticket and told me my liecenses will be suspended untill im 23 years old.

the comment above belongs to Le'Ron Stone

yea greenmohawk kid these people dont understand that theres worse things we can be doin then havin fun on our bikes. just cuz they dont like the dont want it ya know. but who cares what they think lets jus have fun. it would be nice if they help give us somewere legal to ride. if they want us off the streets youd think theyd be smart enough to do that

Joe and Green Mohawk,
Is there a place to ride in North Branford?

There used to be a track to ride on out there.

How much space do you need? Also, would you guys be willing to pay or would it have to be free?

If people worked with you to create a track would you be willing to help to encourage kids to ride there and get them off the street?

Glad you have a voice in this and appreciate you respecting the terms of the site.

Thanks,
Ben

yo leron all the comments that say green mohawk kid is me white boy we shod rip the streets up this weekend

A few weeks ago a dude on a blue 4wheeler blew down Grand Ave and right through a red light - the redlight was red for quite some time - he blew on the left hand side of 4 or 5 cars to pass us all and dgo through the light.

A) that kind of vehicle is illegal on road
B) this was not a mistaken blow-of-red, he knew exactly what he was doing

Funny guys postin as me. Your just showing ur age. I am not against kids having fun. This site is filled with listings of places to ride ATV's and Quads around the state and out of state. I have spent countless hours in meetings trying to work around the "mans" insurance b.s. to try and get a place in new haven for those who would like to ride. It's not as easy as it seems.So that makes me a loser, trying to help you ride??? I am however old enought to know that if you ride like an idiot with no regard for traffic laws in an urban enviroment someone will get hurt or killed. Did you ever read a headline ATV wipes out tractor trailer?? Then its my tax dollars that have to scrape you off the street and the guilt left on the innocent mom on her way home that has to live with killing or maiming you. Take Green Mohawk Kid, do you think if we gave him a place to ride he would go and do it?? no, he loves the lawlessness, hey I agree drugs or ATV's smartest move he probably ever made.
Use this site to make contacts with the ones who can give you the place to ride. City Mission in North Branford or the old trolley tracks were always cool. Water company around the lake if u were fast enough and knew the trails. Now theres a challenge. Guilford hills etc.. Don't judge someone until you've been around the block with em once.

YES....AND WHEN THEY HIT A CAR HEAD ON...IT WILL EITHER BE THE WHITE COP THAT RESPONDED OR THE CAR THEY HIT WITH A WHITE DRIVERS FAULT...

You need to enlist the local ATV/Motocross to loan you a few dirt bikes. Get some officers who ride on the weekend to patrol these streets that these punks ride, and beat 'em at their own game. Take their rides. and make them watch as you put em thru the compactor.

Ben-

I appreciate your participation, but I've listed a number of places where these kids can ride legally. My findings were the result of a 30-second Google search, which is something any one of these kids could have done on their own at any point. They certain have access to computers and know how to use the internet. Their response was basically to laugh off our attempt to help them. "Too far away" and "you're crazy if you think I'm going all the way to North Branford." I'm paraphrasing, but you get the idea. I also think that there were some money concerns, which I can understand. But if you can afford to buy an ATV, you can afford to pay track fees. If you can't, you shouldn't have bought an ATV in the first place.

Secondly, they seem to enjoy the chase and the negative attention their activities generate. Green Mowhawk Kid (GMK), I'm looking in your direction. A couple of months will pass, and one of them will start complaining that if "we" just give them a place to ride, they'd get off the streets. Then we go through the same dance again, ending with them refusing to do anything differently. They're not going to get off the streets voluntarily. I can't think of how to help someone who doesn't want to be helped.

In short, both Streever and I (and I'm sure others) have offered to help and engage them in some form of discussion. We get taunts and tantrums in return. At the end of the day, they neither need nor want our help. These are not underprivileged kids without resources. These are kids riding around on $2,000+ toys and they want to ride them where they damn well please.

I think it would be great if these kids got into safe and competitive riding on a real track. It would be more fun for them, get them out in nature, and would be a hell of a good time. Competition is good for character building, and they could test their skills against others, learn some new tricks, etc. They don't seem to want that. So the next best solution is to continue to report them when they break the law and put others in danger. Have the cops confiscate their rides. What else can be done?

- J. Hart

Corey,

Calling people idiots and yelling about this really doesn't help. In fact, it probably hurts your cause.

haha j hart (GMK) MY mother loves that i ride but hates when i ride on the street and im only 14 i cant drive my bike any weir i cant ride at milford riders cuz i dont live im milford north branford is shut down do to the fact that sume KID's got cought drinking in thir so im forced to ride on the street r grop the 12'o clock boyz is prity famous around new haven we named r self s that bcuz when we ride all we do is go back and forth at doing wheelies thats y we like ridin on the street (TO WEELIE) hay lets be grown ups about this and sit down some weir and talk about this just me j hart and STREEVER!!!!!!!! u can get me at 203-535-7512

All right, GMK, let's do it. I don't know about Streever, but if you're serious I can get a hold of him and we can talk. I'm travleing a lot right now, so phone isn't the best way to do it at the moment. Why not email me at hartjo1 (at) comcast (dot) net. It's my junk email address, but I'll check it for a few days to see if you write. I'll give you my real email address and phone from there and we'll work something out. Not trying to be mysterious about it, but I don't want to post my info directly and get pranked by every punk out there. In the meantime, just be safe and don't hurt yourself or anyone else.

Seems GMK is actually looking to do something positive, and he's only 14. More power to you GMK, I'm glad to see u showing up the others by acting like an adult instead of just slamming people. Looks like u have seriously been trying to find somewhere to ride and trying to keep yourself out of trouble with the law. Too bad theres too many like Corey 294 who obviously don't have a clue about those who use these bikes to run drugs. Besides I worry more about accidently hitting a dirt biker goin through a red light more than I do worrying about drug dealers who mostly only bother their own.

I would be excited to join this meeting as well.

GMK, David will reach out to you today.

I think that he can be a big help as the leader of Elm City Cycling and someone who has bridged the gap between city policy and independent culture forced to act illegally.

Hey Green Mohawk,

thanks--I will be calling you later today.

is aney one guna call or am i just keep on riding the streets

is aney one guna call or am i just keep on riding the streets

Flag this messageRe: [SeeClickFix] Rejections: Check it out!Friday, September 4, 2009 1:22PM From: "Ben Berkowitz" Add To:Cc: "team"

Unfortunately,We can not stop anyone from using the same tag name.

If you want to use your facebook profile to post that might be a better way of keep a solid identity within SeeClickFix.

Thanks,
ben

sorry guys im jus a dufus who thinks that some laws are ok to break and the cops only need to enforce the laws they want to. Jus call me a hick w/ no real edumcation

Hey Smart One: Apparently, you're so smart you missed the last 20 years of law enforcement theory -- you know, the whole quality-of-life-crimes thing?

I think it is time to close this issue since, after the NHPD unit was set up and many arrests were made, I haven't seen ATVs out (at least during the day).

I hear them in my neighborhood at night, but have been reporting them as a separate issue and I think it is fairly specific to the public housing/illegal gambling in the area where I live.

If you see ATVs, definitely you should come back to this thread and post here. Please click above and "Reopen" the issue if you think that this is a major problem citywide.

Or if Pedro disagrees, he should reopen this immediately, since he created the issue.

I'll definitely keep an eye out the next time the weather gets warm -- if I see ATVs terrorizing our neighborhoods again, I will reopen this issue and send it to the press.

- Concerned Resident

I have to agree, it seems the NHPD did something that worked, at least here in the Fair Haven/Quinnipiac area.

Agreed!
Well done NHPD

I agree with Ben. Well done, NHPD.

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I think bicycles should be registered to ride on the streets of CT.

Why should taxpayers pay for bikeways?

I think bicycles riders should buy their own places to ride.

Get the point?

is any 1 guna reply i am the main topic of this matter and no 1 calls to have a chat STREVER feel free to call any time 1-203-535-7512

You are not the main topic of anything. You are one of many law-breakers. I called you, we set up a meeting time in a place you chose, & I waited 30 minutes with no sign of you. I called you & you didn't answer.

Maybe best to use one of the City Hall meeting rooms and invite Alex Rhodeen. I believe he is GMK's Alderman.

GMK, maybe you could bring others interested in tackling this problem.

Comment removed. Not constructive and inflammatory. Issue closed.