ATV Political Battle in Providence Heats Up - Council Criticizes Elorza and His Loyal Ally Flips

ATV Political Battle in Providence Heats Up - Council Criticizes Elorza and His Loyal Ally Flips

The failure of Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza’s management of the illegal ATVs has come under fire by members of the Providence City Council. This is the latest hit for the mayor’s management.

Even Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan has turned on Elorza. In October, Ryan praised the Elorza administration’s effort, "I am proud of this collaborative effort to rid our roadways of illegal ATVs and motorbikes. Today's event is proof that an ordinance that I helped shepherd through as a freshman Councilor is working to improve the quality of life for our residents. I want to thank the brave men and women of the Providence police force for working so diligently to rid our community of these nuisance-causing vehicles."

But on Thursday night’s City Council meeting, Ryan said, “The City Council is calling on the Mayor to uphold City ATV ordinances, support our Police and to take action necessary to address the public nuisance that illegal ATVs are causing in our City.” 

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In the past three weeks, Elorza has called for illegal ATVs to be legalized. Then he held a press conference in which he claimed he did not push for legalization and then held a press conference with Cranston officials about ATV enforcement.

Contradicting Claims

Last week, Elorza said he "does not want to legalize" currently illegal ATV and dirt bike use on city streets. 

His statement, however, is a direct contradiction from what his office has said -- which is that he is looking at ways to require riders to have licenses and insurance, and ensure they make "necessary modifications" to the vehicles -- so that they can be legal for street use. 

Speaking to the "illegal and dangerous ATVs" at a press conference with public safety officials last week, Elorza said, "They continue to create a dangerous situation for the public. They cannot and will not be tolerated."

"It’s been suggested we want to legalize this dangerous activity. Nothing could be further from the truth," he said. 

On February 25, however, Elorza said the following. 

"As currently operated, ATVs and other illegal vehicles pose a danger to those who operate them as well as other drivers and residents. I am interested in exploring enabling legislation that would allow cities and towns to require owners who operate these vehicles to register them, purchase insurance, and make necessary modifications such as turn signals, side mirrors and mufflers to make them safer and quieter. All traffic laws and other regulations would of course still apply to these vehicles and those who drive them in our City."

 

Council Action

At the council meeting, a chorus of members criticized Elorza’s failure to enforce a plethora of ordinances that have passed over the

The Council has passed multiple ordinances to stop the illegal use of ATVs in the City. On April 2, 2015, Councilman Michael Correia's ordinance banning snowmobiles and ATVs from operating on City streets was passed. The City Council passed a second ordinance from Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan on May 4, 2017, which gave the Providence Police Department the power to confiscate and destroy ATVs that were caught being operated illegally. Both of these laws are still in place today.

"ATVs have been a major safety and quality of life issue in our City for years. The Council has continually worked with the Providence Police Department and community members to stop the massive gangs of ATVs speeding through our neighborhoods. We have done the work to end this problem, and we will continue working until it is not a problem anymore. But we need the same commitment from the Mayor," added Councilwoman Carmen Castillo.

And, Fox Point Councilman John Goncalves said, "The illegal use of ATVs has been a major issue in my neighborhood. I feel my neighbors' frustration as these loud and intrusive vehicles speed through our streets, endangering children, cyclists, drivers, and really anyone nearby. I look forward to working with my Council colleagues to work towards the stricter enforcement of the laws we have put in place. I hope we can find an off-road place that they can ride. I am optimistic that Mayor Elorza will do his part in enforcing these laws so that our City does not have to continue facing the dangers created by ATVs daily."