A dirt bike is seen lying on North Clinton Avenue in Rochester after a crash on Monday, February 24, 2025. (Photo by Will Morgan/WHAM)
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — As the warmer months approach, the Syracuse Police Department is intensifying efforts to curb the illegal use of ATVs and dirt bikes on public roads.
Authorities say the issue has been a growing concern among residents, leading to numerous complaints about the dangers and disruptions caused by these off-road vehicles. Under local law, police have the authority to seize ATVs and dirt bikes found operating illegally on city streets. In 2024 alone, between 25 and 30 such vehicles were confiscated.
“The danger of riding one of these vehicles isn’t only to the rider, but to the public as well,” said Sgt. Tom Blake.
Beyond being a traffic hazard, officials say these vehicles contribute to property damage and public disturbances. According to Sgt. Blake, social media plays a significant role in influencing individuals to engage in reckless riding behavior.
“I think like anything else, people see videos on YouTube and social media and want to emulate that,” he said.
Law enforcement has also linked illegal ATV and dirt bike use to criminal activity, including drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession.
“It’s not uncommon to arrest someone on one of these and find them with illegal narcotics,” Blake added.
Compounding the risk, many of these vehicles lack essential safety features such as signal lights, making them even more hazardous on public roads.
To address the issue, Syracuse police plan to conduct targeted enforcement operations throughout the spring and summer, the peak seasons for illegal riding. These efforts will be driven by public complaints, intelligence gathering, and weather conditions. In addition to on-the-ground enforcement, police are also leveraging social media and sending warning letters to neighborhoods with frequent violations.
“We’re watching. We’re monitoring. We’re recording. We’re following up,” Blake emphasized.
In 2023, approximately 18 arrests were made in connection with illegal ATV and dirt bike activity. Officials report that riders range in age from teenagers to individuals in their forties.
The Syracuse Police Department urges residents to report any illegal ATV or dirt bike activity in their neighborhoods to help curb the growing problem.