Have you noticed people riding dirt bikes around the city? Well, the Prince George RCMP have.
Police say over the last week they’ve received an increased amount of public reports about people using dirt bikes improperly.
They say these reports are happening all over Prince George, including uninsured dirt bikes being ridden on streets and highways, and dirt bikes being ridden aggressively on local walking trails.
While the use of dirt bikes, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and utility-terrain vehicles (UTVs, or more commonly known as side-by-sides), is a popular recreational activity around the community, police are reminding residents this activity must be carried out within the provincial and municipal legislation and should be done while respecting others.
Within the City of Prince George, you can’t operate motorized vehicles in city parks or on city trails.
However, according to provincial legislation, motorized off-road vehicles such as dirt bikes, ATVs, and UTVs, may use crossroads at controlled intersections, but they have to be registered with the province and have a number plate or sticker.
Police say from their experience, the majority of riders violating these laws are youth that appear to be under the age of 18.
Mounties want to remind parents and guardians to speak with their children about respectful use of their motorized vehicles while abiding by provincial and municipal legislation.
Fines for violators can easily add up to over $1,000 and the motorized vehicle can be seized.
In addition, operators and their guardians could be subject to criminal and civil action should an incident take place as failing to stop for police is a criminal offence.
If you have any information about persons operating dirt bikes, ATVs, and UTVs improperly, please contact the Prince George RCMP at 250-561-3300.
For more information, go to ICBC's information page or view the BC Off-Road Vehicle Act. You can also refresh your knowledge of City of Prince George bylaws .
