The Grants Police Department has received a significant increase in calls for service and complaints regarding the operation of offhighway motorcycles (Dirt Bikes) on paved roadways and designated trails within the City of Grants.
Off-highway motorcycles are being operated on paved roads in a dangerous manner, posing serious risks to both the motoring public and the riders themselves. Several traffic crashes involving these off-highway motorcycles (Dirt Bikes) have already been reported.
The City of Grants Ordinance 16-1214 authorizes the operation of recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) on paved streets owned and controlled by the City of Grants. However, off-highway motorcycles (Dirt Bikes) are not included under this ordinance and therefore may not be operated legally on city roadways or designated trails.
Under City Ordinance 16-1214, the following definitions apply: All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV): A motor vehicle fifty inches or less in width, having an unladen dry weight of one thousand pounds or less, traveling on three or more low-pressure tires, and having a seat designed to be straddled by the operator with handlebar-type steering control (as defined in Section 66-3-1001.1(E)(1) of the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Act). Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle (ROV): A motor vehicle designed for travel on four or more nonhighway tires, intended for recreational use by one or more persons.
Off-highway motorcycles (Dirt Bikes) do not meet these definitions and they are not permitted on City of Grants roadways or designated trails.
The Grants Police Department asks all citizens to immediately stop operating off-highway motorcycles on public streets and trails in accordance with the City of Grants Ordinance and the New Mexico Traffic Code.
Officers have contacted numerous riders to inform them of these violations. However, not all have been compliant— some have attempted to evade police contact. Due to departmental policy and safety concerns, officers may not always be able to stop or identify violators.
The Grants Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in identifying repeat violators by reporting the owners or operators of these off-highway motorcycles (Dirt Bikes).
Parents are also reminded that allowing underage riders to operate off-highway motorcycles (Dirt Bikes) on city streets or trails is a violation of city ordinance and state law. Parents are encouraged to educate young riders on the proper and lawful operation of off-highway motorcycles.