I completely agree. The noise is terrible and it's extremely dangerous for people walking and children playing.

What happens when a legally licensed driver hits one of them ? Hmmmmm think that would stop them ?

Call the Police until they show up.

I don't think being hit would stop them. Not at all. I would hope that since ATVs are illegal on city streets that any driver would not be held responsible. I suggest that any drivers who encounter these illegal riders pull over and film the kids with their cameras as they pass, thus avoiding any possible crash. Protect yourselves - not them!

Something like this did happen a few years back. One of these kids slammed into the back of a van and was killed. If I recall correctly, his friends beat the driver to the point of hospitalization. So no, I don't believe that one of the riders getting hit would stop anything. Obviously the idea of personal responsibility left town long ago.

Two years ago, and possibly last year as well, there was an ATV squad and the police were actively enforcing the law and confiscating the illegal vehicles. That seemed to help when active. But it doesn't seem like the ATV squad is being run this year.

When I see the packs of riders I call the police non-emergency line. I suggest you do the same. If they get enough calls they may do something about it. I would also recommend speaking to your district manager and requesting that the ATV squads be brought back. You can see you district manager at any WEB management meeting held monthly.

This has GOT to stop.

I agree this is a major quality of life issue.

I sent an email to CAO Rob Smuts (who oversees our Police Department) regarding this issue on March 20, with a follow up sent April 15th, but no response in either case. Repeated emails by other residents also were not responded to.

Background from several years ago-
http://downtownnewhaven.blogspot.com/2009/04/community-calls-for-end-to-illegal-atvs.html
http://www.seeclickfix.com/issues/4469.html

It might sound overblown, but this is the issue that's driving us to consider putting the house up for sale and moving to a new community. It's dangerous for my kids and makes us feel like we don't live in great place.

Terrible!!! Someone stop it. So dangerous. We're tax payers and shouldn't have to live this way. It's all day and night.

I am beginning to wonder if this is gang activity, seeing as how, at all hours of the night, these suicide motorbikers are methodically making their ways up and down our neighborhood, street by street. Is this activity really a way of claiming turf?

a bunch of kids on atvs just blew through the intersection of college and chapel, nearly missing several pedestrians and cars.

What has to happen to put an end to this? Severe injury? Death?

Up and down Norton for over an hour now.

All over Beaver Hill, including up and down Norton, for several hours.

Up and down Norton and Ellsworth for the past half hour.

Up and down Norton and Ellsworth for the past half hour.

I have been taking notes on these dangerous dirt bikers, and I am going to be compiling them, and then bringing them to the NHPD, to help them get these kids. I have been writing down addresses and bike descriptions. Also, I will be checking our home video surveillance cameras and writing down dates, times, and as much descriptive information as possible, to give to the police.

BJG - That's awesome. I hope they finally do something.

Norton Street, 530pm. Bright green dirt bike, olive green shirt. Adult male.

Sunday, 6/10, 9pm+, Norton Street, male and female tandem.

Norton St, 9pm, doing wheelies.

Please see my post on what amounts to a team of ATV riding youths on Cherry Ann St. Perhaps they run a circuit?

Hello All,

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

Unite against illegal use of dirt bikes and ATVs!

Here are the addresses and then the letter.

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

Dear Aldermen,

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sincerely,

Several times today now - Black male, white bike, gratingly slow and noisy as he passes by on Norton.

There were at least three unlicensed scooters riding down Winthrop Ave today, cutting in front of cars and they all stopped in the backyard of 493 Winthrop. There is a red unlicensed scooter that has been sitting in the backyard of this address for the past couple days and today there was a yellow one and I believe a green one there for a little while this afternoon. All these scooters are being driven by young black men, one of which I think lives at 493 Winthrop, 2nd fl

Three unlicensed scooters just rode down Winthrop Ave today around 5:30 pm, nearly cutting off a car! They are being driven by young black males and these same scooters: one red, yellow and I believe green stopped in front of 493 Winthrop Ave and the red one was being stored in the backyard of this same address. Later this evening one of the scooters was being worked on in this backyard and then all three drove off again, they are noisy and someone is going to get hurt with the reckless way these young men drive these bikes.

I'm so glad that everyone is sharing dates, times and descriptions. I am sure this information helps the NHPD track the behavior, as well as individuals.

A few riders, up and down Norton, 550pm.

Ellsworth Ave, 930a

Ellsworth Ave, 930a

Please address this.

Norton St, 1015 am. Adult black male riding with kid (young teen).

Norton St, 1015 am. Adult black male riding with kid (young teen).

All over Beaver Hill, Goffe, etc. Sunday, 5p and on...

I witnessed a young adult male on a blue and white dirt bike speed the WRONG way down Winthrop Ave. a few days ago. He did this in front of a cop, who had little chance of catching him due to the biker's speed. In general I have noticed an increase in illegal dirt bikes in Beaver Hills; it was especially bad this past weekend (8/11-8/12). They speed up and down Crescent, and I have been hearing them late at night more often (after midnight until about 3 am).

230 AM, right now, up and down Norton, Goffe. Sending car alarms off, doing wheelies, obnoxious.

All over Ella Grasso

It's bad enough that pedestrians take their lives into their hands crossing EGB because of the cars, now it's fear of being run down by a dirt bike. But hey, as the dirt bikers like to say, "Accidents happen."

Since 330p, Norton, Goffe. Pretty soon, kids will be getting out of school/off of buses around this time. Will your children be safe??

Black male, red and white bike, wearing a black ski mask. Followed by hefty black male on a moped. Up and down Norton several times now.

It's not only the fools on ATVs that we have to worry about. Yesterday I was punched in the face by one of a gang of 5 kids on bicycles as they raced by me on the sidewalk on Crescent Street near Colony. Police were notified but no resolution. ATV riders in training? ATV situation is out of control.

Concerned - The kids that attacked you are a street gang that has chosen to "occupy" Beaver Hill. Please see the SCF issue titled GANGS - STREET GANGS ON BICYCLES. Please find that issue and report more details there - what time of day, etc. I am disgusted by the lack of concern by our elected officials.

I have seen riding of dirtbikes on the actual sidewalks in front of my home zooming bye on winthrop ave nearwhalley andgoffe.

Has anyone asked the NHPD how many tickets have been given out specifically in Beaver Hills (not including Whalley Avenue) for the following illegal behaviors over the past 2 years?

1) Speeding
2) Noise violations
3) Running red lights
4) Riding vehicles on sidewalks

I would not be surprised if the answer is "close to 0" for all of the above.

"Without knowledge action is useless, and knowledge without action is futile." -Abu Bakr

Mark, really good question! Considering their "No follow" policy, I'd say very few. I do recall reading an article in the Independent about at least one of them having to go to court, and pay fines. In response to hearing about a little girl having been run down by a dirtbiker, the dirtbiker interviewed by the Inde said "Accidents happen." (That is what Craig is referring to in his comment below.)

NHPD, please be on top of it - this is a holiday weekend, the dirtbikers are already out in full force - and it's only Thursday night. I hope to see a significant NHPD presence this weekend, for the safety of every resident.

BJG - I'm talking about all tickets, not just tickets for illegal vehicles. Ideally, it would be fairly easy to get those numbers in aggregate over a 2 year period, showing the type of ticket issued and where it was given out. Otherwise, how is anyone supposed to track progress?

No progress here, Mark. Dirtbikers were going until 330 this MORNING, all day today, and this will go on well into tonight as well. WHERE IS THE NHPD?? New Haven's taxpaying residents have the right to experience a quality of life which does not include being awakened 5 times a night, to obnoxiously loud and angry dirtbike noises, and their subsequent triggering of car alarms . We need a constant police presence. Unlike plenty of other longtime Beaver Hill residents, I'm not moving, and since I do not engage in any illegal, disturbing, destructive, dangerous behaviors, I am not the one who has to change. I suggest long term, deep, psychotherapy for these dirtbikers. Jail time will do no good - they want to be in jail, where they can "make friends on the inside." But it would KILL THEM to have to sit through therapy several times a week, exploring why they have an obviously desperate need to be heard, acknowledged and infamed for their crimes. I also suggest anger menagement for them, as they are obviously full of rage. About what, who knows, who cares?! Again - I am not committing any crimes, they are. Their problems will be between them, their therapists and the court system. My commitment is to living in a peaceful, calm, pleasant neighborhood. Because I am a good, decent, law abiding citizen.

530pm 367 Norton Street, RIGHT NOW - a congregation of Thug Riders Connecticut, taking up an entire lane of the road, sitting with friends, chit-chatting with people who came out from house/backyard. Bikes of all colors - orange, red, yellow. Some with vests that say "Thug riders..."

Call the police non-emergency number and keep calling each and every time you have something to report. Also put pressure on the alderperson to get involved, if you aren't already. Reporting here alone may produce no results.

JB - Oh, how droll! There are a couple of NH alderpersons that have actualy had their lawyers post threatening messages to the public on See Click Fix!! Welll, one had their lawyer do it, and I think another, known as "cray cray," threatened all of us himself. To them, being an alderman is all about ego and getting praise, and being seen as something they are not - helpful. These people are generally a joke, they do nothing to help the communities in which they reside. They look the other way when they see gangs, dirtbikers and prostitutes, used condoms and drug needles on the streets. As for calling the NHPD, yes, call. I make reports, though not unnecessary ones, as crying wolf will get us nowhere. ATV use *might* be down since the Register reported the death/near-death of a kid on an ATV this past week. But the dirtbikers are still out there, even in yesterday's stormy weather. Here is the link to the article about the brain injured 18 yeard old on an ATV. Read the comments to the story as well - shocking how some people think that "quality of life" issues mean absolutely nothing!! And then of course there is the deflecting comment that is so often used - "this kid is someone's child" blah!! Well, someone's child didn't care enough about anyone else's safety when he got on the ATV, willfully broke the law, and rode recklessly through the streets of New Haven, where he could have killed many others in addition to himself. But they always attempt The Deflect!! Typical. http://www.nhregister.com/articles/2012/09/04/blotter/doc5046050c217a6513401469.txt?viewmode=fullstory

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

New Haven Coalition to Stop Illegal Traffic

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

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

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

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

How do we get involved in this new org? Is there an email list, Facebook page, etc? Whom may we contact?

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

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

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

BJG - quoting from a response for Justin Elicker on another thread:

"Fair Haven Resident - Good question! This has started with an informal group of community leaders who connected with each other through word of mouth. We've met a couple of times to discuss different ways of dealing with the dirt bike issue. There is no official membership but we'd certainly like more people to get involved. We don't have a next meeting scheduled yet, but email me at justin.elicker@gmail.com and I'll keep you in the loop on this. Thanks!"

Justin Elicker
Ward 10 Alderman
justin.elicker@gmail.com

How refreshing it is to see an alderman doing something, ANYTHING, about this issue! Thanks for the contact information, I will be in touch with Justin.

Thank you!

Our alderwoman has been wonderful about putting us in contact with the appropriate NHPD officials and working on this issue. It is going to take all of us working together to get a resolution.

Without ongoing neighborhood level information, there is no way to have consistent accountability, action, or change on this issue, no matter how many meetings are held. If you want to see change on this, please call the Mayor (203) 946-8200 and Rob Smuts (203) 946-7900, as well as your Alderman, and ask them why there has been no action taken on request #1 within this letter, which was written by representatives of all 12 of the Community Management Teams, and many Alderpersons, one year ago:
http://library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1101479047374-39/Safe+Streets+Letter+to+Mayor+DeStefano+082411r.pdf

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

via Alderman Justin Elicker:

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

"NHPD Dirt Bike Tip Line is up and running. 203-946-6463. When calling, be sure to provide the following information: date, times, location, description of riders and vehicles."

I encourage everyone to call this hotline with information, but also please post to this thread as well, as we want all information shared publicly and available to all. Stay informed!

BJG Thanks! What are your sources confirming this is the number to call and not the police non-emergency (which is 946-2386)?

This is truly helpful as is getting the word out about the new number.

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

Fairhavener: There are so many threads on See Click Fix about this issue, as you know, as you keep updating them with your petition comments. But BEAVER HILL is often left out of the discussion in the media. Why? I think there are elected officials living here who do not want anyone to know that this section of New Haven, once quite elite, is now overrun with dirt bikers and street gangs. http://seeclickfix.com/issues/283081

They are loving Goffe, Whalley and more of Beaver Hill this afternoon.

On Long Wharf Dr., 16:00 - 17:00, 3-5 persons, trespassing.

Making the rounds in Beaver Hill this afteroon and eve.

JUST GIVE UP OR "ACCIDENTALLY" HIT THEM, THE COPS WILL DO NOTHING HAVE BEEN GIVING STORAGE LOCATIONS TO COPS FOR YEARS-NOTHING- NEW LAW IS A JOKE TOO- TOO LITTLE TOO LATE AND PEOPLE WONDER WHY NO ONE WANTS TO LIVE IN THE "SAFE" HAVEN WITH LAWS BUT NO ENFORCEMENT

Closing this, as there are no new sightings posted above since the NHPD crackdown. With the recent crackdown and the passage of the new law, hopefully things will simmer down; they've definitely been MUCH quieter in Fair Haven. Please open a new issue for any new sightings. Thanks.

Thanks for fixing this issue!