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CLEVELAND, Ohio – Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb and City Council are looking to crack down on dirt bike riders through various law changes that received a fast-tracked and unanimous approval from council on Monday night.
The law change boosts fines for riding unregistered dirt bikes in the city to $500 for the first offense, and $1,000 for any subsequent offenses --- significantly higher than the current fines, which run between $50 and $100.
The new laws also:
-Newly target noise nuisances created by dirt bikes (or other vehicles) driving on public property. Those who ride within close proximity to homes and create “any unreasonable noise” that disturbs the peace would be subject to a $1,000 fine and a first-degree misdemeanor.
-Specifically outlaw dirt bikes or other vehicles from blocking intersections while trick-riding or driving in circles. Violators would be subject to a $1,000 fine and a first-degree misdemeanor. (Currently, first-time violators only receive a second-degree misdemeanor.)
-Increase penalties for bikes that aren’t properly equipped with the right lights, brakes or mufflers. First-time violators would be fined $500; subsequent violators would be fined $1,000. (Current penalties range from $15 to $100, and up to three days in jail.)
The changes will go into effect as soon as they receive a signature from Bibb.
Public Safety Chief Karrie Howard told a City Council committee that the changes are intended to be a deterrent to reckless riders.
He also said they’re aimed at giving Cleveland police more of an ability to tow the vehicles.
To get bikes back after confiscation, owners would have to show proof of ownership and insurance, and demonstrate the bikes are street-legal. Dirt bikes generally aren’t street-legal, but they can be retrofitted with lights and turn signals to make them compliant with Ohio law.
The legislative changes come amid increased efforts by Cleveland police to crack down on dirt bike riders. One such operation over the weekend resulted in the seizure of 15 non-street-legal vehicles and the issuance of 30-plus citations.
Several members of City Council, during a Monday afternoon committee hearing, backed the law changes and applauded Cleveland police’s stepped-up approach. Members, including Griffin, framed reckless riding as a safety concern, and condemned recent incidents in which riders reportedly harassed or intimidated other drivers on the road.
At the same time, Griffin said he wanted to ensure police weren’t needlessly chasing riders, which could lead to crashes or injuries.
“A lot of these young people are adrenaline junkies and not all of them are hardened criminals. Not all of them should be put at risk,” Griffin said. “But I still believe it’s very important to crack down on people that are doing illegal activities, and shutting down intersections, and terrifying little ladies and men riding in cars. So I know we want to strike some balance.”
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As an enthusiast and expert in urban governance and public safety, particularly in the context of municipal regulations, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. My understanding spans various facets of city management, including law enforcement strategies, legislative changes, and the dynamics of addressing public concerns.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts highlighted in the article dated May 23, 2022, regarding Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb and City Council's efforts to address issues related to dirt bike riders in the city:
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Fines for Unregistered Dirt Bikes:
- The law proposes a substantial increase in fines for riding unregistered dirt bikes in the city. The new fines are set at $500 for the first offense and $1,000 for subsequent offenses, a significant jump from the existing fines ranging between $50 and $100.
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Noise Nuisances:
- The legislation targets noise nuisances created by dirt bikes or other vehicles on public property. Individuals riding close to homes and causing "unreasonable noise" that disturbs the peace could face a $1,000 fine and a first-degree misdemeanor.
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Blocking Intersections:
- Dirt bikes or vehicles blocking intersections while trick-riding or driving in circles would be subject to a $1,000 fine and a first-degree misdemeanor. This is an increase from the current penalty of a second-degree misdemeanor for first-time violators.
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Equipment Violations:
- Penalties for bikes lacking proper equipment, such as lights, brakes, or mufflers, would be increased. First-time violators could face a $500 fine, while subsequent violators could be fined $1,000. The current penalties range from $15 to $100, with the possibility of up to three days in jail.
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Towing and Confiscation:
- The changes aim to give Cleveland police more authority to tow vehicles. To retrieve confiscated bikes, owners must provide proof of ownership and insurance, demonstrating that the bikes are street-legal.
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Police Crackdown and Operations:
- The legislative changes coincide with increased efforts by Cleveland police to crack down on dirt bike riders. Operations have resulted in vehicle seizures and citations, reflecting a stepped-up approach by law enforcement.
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Safety Concerns and Balancing Enforcement:
- City Council members, including Griffin, expressed support for the law changes, framing reckless riding as a safety concern. There's a recognition of the need to strike a balance between cracking down on illegal activities and avoiding unnecessary risks, especially for young riders.
These measures underscore the city's commitment to addressing public safety concerns related to dirt bike activities, with a focus on deterrence, enforcement, and maintaining a balance between safety and targeted regulation.
