mtbtom
May 11th, 2004, 02:44 PM
From:
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2004/05/09/town_putting_brakes_on_illegal_motorbike_riding/
Town putting brakes on illegal motorbike riding
But enthusiasts say they have few options
By Franco Ordoez, Globe Staff | May 9, 2004
Milford plans to combat an increase in illegal motorbike and ATV riding on hundreds of acres of public and private land near the Hopkinton border, known to enthusiasts as ''Vietnam" because of its rugged, desolate terrain.
A group made up of town officials, the state environmental police, and local landowners hopes to clamp down on the activity following a rise in neighbors' complaints of noise and dust caused by the riders.
Town officials report that the area has become so popular with riders of ATVs and motorbikes that a Red Bull truck was seen in the area last weekend marketing the popular energy drink.
''This kicks off before 7 in the morning and they ride bikes and other [all-terrain vehicles] past 11 at night," said Milford Police Chief Thomas O'Loughlin.
This is not a new issue. Neighbors of the site, located off of Cedar Street, have been complaining about motorbikes, four-wheelers, and even modified trucks and jeeps tearing up the open space for years. Efforts made in the past to curtail the activity have had limited success.
In 1990, the town passed a local bylaw banning motorized vehicles from using town land and public utility property, according to the town attorney, Gerald Moody. Last year, the Board of Selectmen passed regulations limiting parking along Cedar Street. But the riders simply bypassed those regulations by hopping the curb and parking on a flat section of the private land.
One of the property owners unhappy about the motorbikes and ATVs is the New England Mountain Bike Association, which recently purchased 47 acres in the area.
''We will certainly help to get the word out," said Philip Keyes, executive director of the association. ''We will voice our concerns as well, because our property is not open to motorized use."
Motorbike and ATV enthusiasts say the illegal riding is a result of the state's decision in the mid-1990s to close several state forest areas to riding. Now, they say, there are only three areas in Eastern Massachusetts where motorbikes and ATVs are allowed, so there is bound to be some backlash.
''We're seeing the problems of a shortsighted policy," said Mark Bettencourt, a member of the board of directors at New England Trail Rider Association, an off-road riding club.
The New England Trail Rider Association doesn't condone trespassing, but Bettencourt said the only real way to decrease the amount of illegal riding is to open more places where riding is legal.
''Most riders, if you give them a local, legal alternative, that's where they'll be riding," Bettencourt said.
Over the next few weeks, O'Loughlin said, local police and state environmental police will be posting signs warning that any motorized vehicle use on public land and any property where the owner objects to it is prohibited, and that riders are subject to arrest and ticketing. After allowing a few weeks for the word to get around, O'Loughlin said, police will start writing tickets and towing vehicles.
Trespassing with a motorized vehicle, he said, carries up to a $100 fine and up to 30 days in prison.
Franco Ordoez can be reached at fordonez@globe.com.
© Copyright 2004 Globe Newspaper Company.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2004/05/09/town_putting_brakes_on_illegal_motorbike_riding/
Town putting brakes on illegal motorbike riding
But enthusiasts say they have few options
By Franco Ordoez, Globe Staff | May 9, 2004
Milford plans to combat an increase in illegal motorbike and ATV riding on hundreds of acres of public and private land near the Hopkinton border, known to enthusiasts as ''Vietnam" because of its rugged, desolate terrain.
A group made up of town officials, the state environmental police, and local landowners hopes to clamp down on the activity following a rise in neighbors' complaints of noise and dust caused by the riders.
Town officials report that the area has become so popular with riders of ATVs and motorbikes that a Red Bull truck was seen in the area last weekend marketing the popular energy drink.
''This kicks off before 7 in the morning and they ride bikes and other [all-terrain vehicles] past 11 at night," said Milford Police Chief Thomas O'Loughlin.
This is not a new issue. Neighbors of the site, located off of Cedar Street, have been complaining about motorbikes, four-wheelers, and even modified trucks and jeeps tearing up the open space for years. Efforts made in the past to curtail the activity have had limited success.
In 1990, the town passed a local bylaw banning motorized vehicles from using town land and public utility property, according to the town attorney, Gerald Moody. Last year, the Board of Selectmen passed regulations limiting parking along Cedar Street. But the riders simply bypassed those regulations by hopping the curb and parking on a flat section of the private land.
One of the property owners unhappy about the motorbikes and ATVs is the New England Mountain Bike Association, which recently purchased 47 acres in the area.
''We will certainly help to get the word out," said Philip Keyes, executive director of the association. ''We will voice our concerns as well, because our property is not open to motorized use."
Motorbike and ATV enthusiasts say the illegal riding is a result of the state's decision in the mid-1990s to close several state forest areas to riding. Now, they say, there are only three areas in Eastern Massachusetts where motorbikes and ATVs are allowed, so there is bound to be some backlash.
''We're seeing the problems of a shortsighted policy," said Mark Bettencourt, a member of the board of directors at New England Trail Rider Association, an off-road riding club.
The New England Trail Rider Association doesn't condone trespassing, but Bettencourt said the only real way to decrease the amount of illegal riding is to open more places where riding is legal.
''Most riders, if you give them a local, legal alternative, that's where they'll be riding," Bettencourt said.
Over the next few weeks, O'Loughlin said, local police and state environmental police will be posting signs warning that any motorized vehicle use on public land and any property where the owner objects to it is prohibited, and that riders are subject to arrest and ticketing. After allowing a few weeks for the word to get around, O'Loughlin said, police will start writing tickets and towing vehicles.
Trespassing with a motorized vehicle, he said, carries up to a $100 fine and up to 30 days in prison.
Franco Ordoez can be reached at fordonez@globe.com.
© Copyright 2004 Globe Newspaper Company.