'Reckless' Dirt Bikes, ATVs Cause 'Great Deal Of Alarm' In Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, CT — Amid concern from residents, Fairfield’s first selectwoman addressed Friday the ongoing issue of groups disrupting traffic in town by riding dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles on public roads.

“Those operating motorized bikes and ATVs are reckless and cause a great deal of alarm to residents,” First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick said in an email to Fairfielders. “This is an issue occurring not just in Fairfield and neighboring communities, but all across the State.”

Off-street vehicles are not registered, and driving them on town and state roads is illegal, according to Kupchick. When officers attempt to stop the drivers, the motorists often flee, and under state law, police cannot pursue drivers who are suspected in connection with infractions, property crimes, and nonviolent felonies and misdemeanors, Kupchick said. Officers also cannot pursue vehicles operated by juveniles unless the minor is suspected of a violent felony, according to Kupchick.

“The pursuit of these vehicles presents a danger to the lives of the public and police officers, in addition to those operating the motorized vehicles,” she said. “In accordance with state-wide pursuit policy, police are prohibited from engaging these vehicles in pursuit should they flee.”

Officers instead work to identify the drivers using license plate recognition technology, video surveillance and collaboration with other agencies, according to Kupchick, who urged residents to report any reckless driving to police.