Statement from Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan Regarding Illegal ATVs in Providence

“I was pleased to learn that the Department of Public Safety and the Mayor’s administration today announced plans to proactively enforce the ATV laws that the City Council has enacted. As we approach the warmer months, the threat of these dangerous and illegal ATVs looms over our neighborhoods.

As a freshman Councilor, I got to work drafting and enacting legislation that would keep dangerous ATVs off our City streets. In doing so, my Council colleagues and I created a clear, legal framework that prohibited the operation of illegal ATVs and gave the Providence Police Department the power to seize and destroy any ATVs operating illegally.

Since my legislation was enacted and the City Council created the ATV taskforce, law enforcement officials and local leaders came together to create strategies which resulted in 250 illegal ATVs being removed from our streets.

Despite our advocacy, these laws do not work unless they are enforced. I look forward to the Police Department’s continued commitment to these laws, which will serve to protect Providence drivers, pedestrians and bikers.

I encourage all residents to alert law enforcement and to report the location and operation of illegal ATVs and dirt bikes in Providence by calling 401-680-8288. Let us all do our part to keep our city safe,” stated Finance Chairwoman Jo-Ann Ryan.