The Jersey City Council will propose an ordinance banning local gas station from selling fuel to illegal operated dirt bikes and ATVs at Wednesday’s meeting.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“We have been working closely with our police department as this issue has become increasingly alarming, and our residents are being put in harm’s way due to reckless ATV drivers,” Mayor Steven Fulop said in a statement.
“This is a necessary deterrent as part of our broader, multi-layered efforts that have substantially improved safety on our roadways citywide.”
The measure is being co-sponsored by Councilwomen Denise Ridley and Mira Prinz-Arey in part due to the JCPD responding to 100 calls for service involving dirt bikes and/or ATVs since June, 10 of which involved motor vehicle accidents.
Per the ordinance, owners/employees of gas stations and storage facilities in violation are subject to a maximum fine of $2,000.
“The drivers of these illegal ATVs are often weaving through traffic without helmets at speeds that pose a serious danger to themselves, surrounding vehicles on the roadways, and the public at large,” stated Ridley, who sponsored an ordinance approved in September banning dirt bikes and ATVs from public roads.
“The goal is to add another deterrent to stop them from putting people at serious risk.”
The local legislation states no gas station owner or employee operating in Jersey City is permitted to dispense gasoline directly into an all-terrain vehicle or dirt bike unless the vehicle was transported to the gas station on a properly registered vehicle, trailer, or truck.
“We are taking a stand against the illegal ATVs and dirt bikes that are increasingly putting our community at risk. In addition to deterring gas stations, we are also making it illegal for storage facilities to allow for the delivery and/or removal of ATVs that are not properly transported,” added Prinz-Arey.
The concerning rise in illegal ATVs driving recklessly on roadways throughout the state poses a new level of danger to public safety, especially pedestrians, drivers, and riders, according to JCPD Deputy Chief Nick Flora.
“Historically, this was not a major issue we were constantly dealing with, but in recent years we have seen a steep increase in ATV-involved motor vehicle accidents and other safety issues surrounding these illegal motorized bikes,” added Flora.
“While our officers have worked to address this issue, it has become a larger issue across the state that needs to be looked at from all angles.”
The Jersey City Council convenes for their caucus today at City Hall, 280 Grove St., at 4 p.m. and then their regular session on Wednesday at 6 p.m. Both meetings will stream live on Microsoft Teams.