All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are a routine part of rural life, but some city lawmakers say there are way too many of them in Buffalo. They are proposing laws to combat the illegal use of ATV's which are driven badly on city streets and in parks, causing damage.
"The most alarming thing I have seen was when I was on Broadway, in my district earlier this year and I was walking the neighborhood," Council member Mitch Nowakowski who represents the Fillmore District.
"I saw a plethora of all-terrain vehicles with teenagers and children riding them, with no helmets, no protective gear and it was really quite scary."
The ATV's, Nowakowski says, can be easily flipped and cause serious injury.
"They are very bold on our streets and, I’m tired of it," said Council member Bryan Bollman who is joining Nowakowski in proposing a resolution to address the issue.
"There’s definitely activity happening right now and I’m fully expecting this summer to have increasing activity. It feels like it gets worse every year."
Buffalo police have a no-chase policy when it comes to ATV's. Adding to the problem, the members say vehicles that are seized by the city are often re-sold to the original owner. Their proposal, they say, will stop that. It also calls for fines of up to $2,500.
