Smiley to Unveil New ATV Strategy — Will It Be Any Different From Elorza?

Smiley to Unveil New ATV Strategy — Will It Be Any Different From Elorza?

Providence Mayor Brett Smiley — along with Chief of Police Oscar Perez — are slated to announce the city’s latest effort to combat the illegal use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVS) and dirt bikes in the city on Wednesday. 

Smiley said they will be unveiling a “new strategy” to combat the hordes of riders that have already been a problem on city streets so far this year. 

The Mayor’s office said the issue is “a top concern" for Smiley, adding he is committed to "addressing quality of life issues" affecting Providence residents.

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Will the new strategy work? 

Two weeks ago, GoLocal reported — with video — that ATVs blitzed the city on an early spring afternoon.

A week later, GoLocal broke the story that a Providence Police officer drew his gun on a group of riders that had surrounded him while making an arrest. 

As GoLocal wrote in an editorial, it is Smiley — and Perez’ — major test in the new administration is to control illegal ATVs on city streets. 

 

 

Multiple Press Conferences Under Elorza 

Former Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza this time last year announced that if ATV riders came to the city, there would "be consequences. 

"Don't come, don't ride your ATVs on our streets," said Elorza.

But little changed in Providence.

There was a similar press conference hosted by Elorza in 2021.

This past Sunday, ATVs could be seen racing through downtown Providence. To date, there has been little change since Smiley has taken office.