West Hartford bans ATV use in all public places

WEST HARTFORD — Seeking to curb a public safety menace, the West Hartford town council has banned operation of all-terrain vehicles on streets, sidewalks and parks, warning that violators could see their machines seized and sold at auction.

The council adopted the ATV ban unanimously at a recent meeting, prompted in part by packs of off-road riders roaring through town streets this summer,

The ordinance says no one may operate an ATV or ride as a passenger on any land under the town’s jurisdiction. The new rule allows police to seize and hold a violator’s machine until “adequate arrangements are made by a responsible adult for it to be transported to an appropriate location.” If such arrangements are not made within 72 hours, the seized ATV “shall be sold at public auction.”

Like many large towns and cities around the Northeast, West Hartford has been hit with a wave of ATV and dirt bike riders on public streets. In early August, more than 200 riders rumbled through town followed by a smaller group ride in September. Residents complained of riders speeding, weaving in and out of traffic, blowing through red lights and jeering at pedestrians. Home and business owners also complain of extreme noise.

New Haven, East Hartford and New London are among other Connecticut communities that have adopted ordinances aimed at ending illegal riding.

Soon after the pandemic began, Hartford police seized about 30 ATVS and dirt bikes and crushed them at an auto parts yard. However, like police in other communities, they have trouble catching the drivers. Officers rarely pursue speeding ATVS due to the risks of a chase. Also, when dozens of riders are together in a pack, police have no way to follow them all when they split.

West Hartford Police Chief Vernon Riddick said the ordinance will give police “extra tools we can use.” Riddick said police will rely on the public to report illegal riders and where they store their machines.

Police suspect some ATVS are kept in self-storage units, while others are in garages and sheds. The police department’s anonymous tip line is 860 570-8969. People also can send information to whpdtips@westhartfordct.gov.