With nicer weather fast approaching, police across the Capital Region are looking to keep illegal dirt bike and ATVs off the streets.
It’s an issue CBS6 has been reporting on for years.
Police are trying to warn people that riding these off-road motorcycles and vehicles is not only illegal but dangerous, with a number of deaths happening in the region in recent years.
In Schenectady, the most recent death involving an unregistered motorcycle happened last July. Police say the rider crashed into the side of a car, and wasn’t wearing a helmet.
Schenectady Police say this has been a growing issue the last few years, and this deadly problem only gets worse as temperatures warm up.
Lt. Ryan Macherone of the Schenectady Police Department explains why operating these off-road motorcycles and vehicles is dangerous not only for the rider but those around them.
“For the most part, these off-road vehicles are not meant for the streets. They don't have tires for the streets, they don't have signaling, and oftentimes, motorists aren’t looking out for people on these motorcycles and ATVs and things, so they do present a hazard for both rider and motorists,” said Macherone.
“Our riders tend to be younger and that’s an additional concern with a lot of the riders being so young,” he added.
As spring and summer rolls in, he says patrols will be out cracking down on illegal riding.
But it’s not just in Schenectady. Last year, Albany Police created a task force to tackle the issue and also a hotline for residents to report illegal riding of dirt bikes and ATVs in the city.
And if you get caught illegally riding these off-road bikes or four-wheelers, be prepared to pay up because the penalty is stiff and costly.
Not only will you be facing vehicle and traffic violations, but Macherone tells CBS6’s Briana Supardi that just to get your bike or ATV from the impound will cost you more than $2,000.
“Tow charges could be about $160 and daily charges in the impound would be $40 a day,” he added.
But again, police say the highest price you may pay, may be your life or someone else’s.