Make ATVs legal on public streets
Although I am a senior at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, I currently live in Prince Georges County and I remain active by cycling and riding dirt bikes in my free time.
The trend of riding dirt bikes on public streets has increased within the last few years and I feel as though it should not be illegal to do so. There are laws that state ATVs and dirt bikes cannot be operated on roadways or public property, leaving many people in violation of this law. It is also police policy for officers to not give chase to these motorists, which many officers break by pursuing the dirt bike and/or ATV riders. I support these dirt bike and ATV riders because riding keeps some riders out of trouble; others use for stress relief and also because it brings a bond between riders who otherwise would have never known their commonalities. Riding dirt bikes and/or ATVs on the roadways should not be illegal because the laws deprive riders of their ability to find a sense of peace doing the thing they love.
As an avid dirt bike rider, I have to resort to riding on public streets at times because there aren’t any other places designated for riding, and the open fields are public property which riders aren't allowed to ride on either. The price riders pay if caught riding on streets or public property can be seen as unjust. I have experienced these injustices when riding my dirt bike through a residential area, resulting in having my dirt bike impounded by police. I believe the laws against dirt bike and ATV riders are unjust because those riders who wish to ride their bike, whether on or off-road, may fear doing so because they can potentially be fined, arrested or have their bike impounded. I believe the laws should be changed so that riders are able to enjoy riding in peace, without fear that they will be stopped or chased by police.
This growing trend of dirt bike and ATV riding on public roadways, streets and properties show that although laws prohibit these actions, riders will continue to do so. Some riders make the choice between enjoying their motor vehicle by riding it or letting it sit in fear that they will get in trouble by police if they are caught riding. Some riders like myself will take chances by riding their bikes because they are simply doing what makes them happy although they know they can face minor or severe consequences. Most riders are responsible and cautious, but lack a venue where they can ride. Although I know riders are disobeying laws, I still support their actions because not all people are provided with areas that can accommodate these riders and their vehicles, making riders find ways in which they can still enjoy their rides.
Laws should be changed to allow these vehicles to be operated on public property or roadways so that we are not keeping people from expressing themselves through the sport of dirt bike riding. I am a strong supporter of this growing trend called BIKELIFE, which allows riders to form bonds with other riders, relieve stress and even keep riders out of serious trouble.
Trey Robinson is a senior at University of Maryland Eastern Shore and a resident of Prince Georges County, Maryland.