May 19, 2007 By Rebekah Sungala 2 min read

Uniontown police remind residents it is against the law to ride all-terrain vehicles and dirt bikes on public streets. City Detective Donald M. Gmitter said officers have been responding to several calls regarding ATVs and dirt bikes, especially in the area of Coolspring Street and Devan Avenue.

Gmitter said most of the incidents involve juveniles, noting that the number of complaints have steadily increased since the school year ended.

Officers on both day and afternoon shifts have been fielding numerous calls, Gmitter said.

According to police, ATV and dirt bike riders have been running stop signs and crossing the streets in front of oncoming traffic.

“We’ve even received complaints from pedestrians who were almost run over,” Gmitter said.

In the city, as opposed to rural areas, dirt bikes seem to be preferred over ATVs.

“The bikes are our biggest problem,” Gmitter said.

Gmitter said officers are aggressively patrolling areas where the illegal riding has occurred. Violators, according to Gmitter, will be cited and possibly arrested.

Gmitter said violators could be cited for numerous traffic violations, including riding an unregistered and/or uninsured vehicle on public streets.

ATV and dirt bike riders who attempt to run from police once a traffic stop has been initiated also face a felony charge of attempting to flee and elude a police officer, Gmitter said.

Gmitter said officers are strictly enforcing all laws applying to off-road vehicles.

In addition to being cited and arrested if they attempt to flee, violators will also have their vehicles impounded, Gmitter said.

Residents who see someone riding an ATV or dirt bike in the city are encouraged to call police at 724-430-2929 or by dialing 911.