Police chief: ATV scofflaws disconcerting

MINERAL RIDGE -- The problem of dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles traveling in the township at high rates of speed has both Police Chief Joseph Consiglio and some residents concerned.
Consiglio said that his department has a zero-tolerance policy on those who break laws concerning all-terrain vehicles: three-wheelers, four-wheelers or dirt bikes.
He said a rider of such vehicles must be at least 16 years old, and to ride on a regular street the vehicle must be operated on the berm of the road.
Residents have reported riders not wearing helmets, going 40 to 60 mph on side roads and tailgating cars.
One man reported seeing an adult riding an ATV carrying a baby.
Consiglio said part of the problem is that people from out of town are bringing ATVs in from other communities, some of them offloading them at state Route 46 businesses and then riding them in the township.
The vehicles are intended for riding in landed areas, not on streets. Consiglio said they also are legally allowed to cross the highway to go to a gas station.