Local Mounties and Prince George Bylaws Services are focusing some of their attention on off-road vehicle use within City limits, due to a spike in public complaints.
Most of our complaints have involved under-age riders on dirt bikes, so we are reaching out to the parents of these riders. Make sure you are reviewing safe usage of dirt bikes with your kids and reminding them that unlicensed dirt bikes are not permitted on roadways or in residential areas. Respecting our neighbours goes a long way towards creating peaceful neighbourhoods,
said Corporal Jennifer Cooper, Media Relations Officer.
Mounties will be using a variety of methods in the upcoming weeks, including the use of our RCMP UTV, police helicopter, traditional vehicle patrols and foot patrols with Bylaw Services Officers.
The RCMP issued some quick reminders on the use of dirt bikes:
As dirt bikes are for off road use only, they are not allowed to be operated on the road, sidewalks, bike lanes or any place the public may be.
They are subject to Motor Vehicle Act (MVA) offences and fines:
- No insurance $598
- No license $276 and three demerit points
- Ride motorcycle without required helmet $138 and two demerit points
- Drive without due care and attention $368 and six demerit points
- Drive without consideration $196 and six demerit points
- Subject to 7-day vehicle impoundment if found stunting
They are subject to Criminal Code offences for the following:
- Dangerous Operation
- Flight from Peace Officer
- Impaired Operation of a Motor Vehicle
They are not covered under any insurance policy and can expose you to personal Civil Liability:
- There is zero tolerance as this is high-risk behaviour
- If a violation ticket is issued, this can cause increased insurance premiums when declaring these high-risk drivers on family vehicles
- This can negatively impact the youth operators before being eligible for a driver’s license
City of Prince George staff take great pride in maintaining our parks, trails, and public spaces for everyone to enjoy. We strongly encourage residents to do their part in keeping our community safe and beautiful, whether that’s speaking to your children about safe operation of dirt bikes or reviewing the laws and local bylaws yourself,
says bylaw services manager, Kent MacNeill.
Bylaw staff will be making more frequent foot patrols in the coming weeks and staff are looking to improve signage to raise awareness about what isn’t acceptable in our parks and public spaces.
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
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