Elorza Says He's Not Proposing Legalizing ATVs -- That's Not True, And We Can Prove It

Elorza Says He's Not Proposing Legalizing ATVs -- That's Not True, And We Can Prove It

Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza said on Thursday 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 on Thursday, Elorza said, "They continue to create a dangerous situation for the public. They cannot and will not be tolerated."

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"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."

Holding Gas Stations, Ride Out Organizers, and Sellers Accountable 

Elorza on Thursday urged people to report their neighbors if they see illegal dirt bikes and ATVs on their property.

"We will continue to pull over seize and destroy these ATVs,  even when they’re not currently being used," said Elorza, who said the hotline is 680-8ATV. "Let us know if one of your neighbors has one of those bikes — we will confiscate those bikes."

According to police, the Providence City Council passed an ordinance making the possession of an ATV in Providence illegal. 

"One of our proposals is also to hold the sellers accountable," he continued.  "We want to put additional barriers and hurdles in the place — so they can’t show up and drive off the lot."

"We [currently] have an endless supply of bikes. We know you go into the store and pay cash and drive off," said Elorza. "My proposal is a registration system to know it’s insured, so it’s less likely they’ll use it illegally. It’s future facing. I don’t anticipate any folks riding illegally [will register their vehicles.]. We want to put barriers and hurdles to it’s not easy to purchase a new one and go out and ride."

Elorza said that the city also wants to hold those gas stations accountable that sell gas to the riders, as well as the organizers of the "ride-outs" where riders on the illegal vehicles break traffic laws and put the public in harm's way.