Unlicensed Motorcyclist Charged With Reckless Driving In School Zone, Greenwich Police Say

GREENWICH, CT — A motorcyclist is facing several charges, including reckless driving, after Greenwich police said they observed "dangerous behavior" in a school zone Friday morning.

The operator of the motorcycle, who was not identified by police, was charged with reckless driving; disobeying the signal of a police officer; operating an unregistered motor vehicle; operating without minimum insurance; operating without a license; operating a motorcycle without the required endorsement; unsafe passing; and failure to obey a traffic signal.

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On the morning of Aug. 28, the Greenwich Police Department Traffic Section was conducting traffic enforcement near East Putnam Avenue and Hillside Road for the first day of school.

At approximately 7:35 a.m., officers observed a motorcycle - with an operator and a female passenger - traveling westbound on East Putnam Avenue while using the eastbound lanes to pass a line of vehicles stopped at a red light near Hillside Road, police said.

There was heavy vehicle and pedestrian traffic in the area, including students walking to school and motorists traveling toward Greenwich High School, according to police.

"After observing the dangerous behavior, motorcycle officers attempted to stop the motorcycle. However, the operator continued through the red light at Hillside Road and traveled westbound toward Overlook Drive. Officers were subsequently able to direct the motorcycle to the side of the road and stop it," police said.

"Based on the operator's initial failure to stop and the officers' training and experience with similar incidents involving motorcycle and electric bicycle operators fleeing on foot, officers held the operator's arm to prevent him from fleeing," police added.

During the stop, the operator "initially resisted officers multiple times and repeatedly reached toward his waistband while officers attempted to safely check the area," police said, noting they were ultimately able to get control of the operator.

Officers found that the motorcycle was equipped with a 169 cc engine and was not registered or insured. The operator also did not have a valid driver's license or the required motorcycle endorsement, police said.

The motorcycle was impounded and the operator was taken to police headquarters for further investigation and processing. The passenger was released without incident.

"The Greenwich Police Department reminds the community that motorcycles and e-bikes must be operated responsibly and in accordance with the rules of the road. Riders must obey traffic signals, travel with the flow of traffic, and avoid reckless behavior that can endanger themselves and others," police said.

Police are also reminding residents that in Connecticut, a person must be at least 16 years old to obtain a driver's license, and operating a motorcycle on public roadways requires the appropriate motorcycle permit or endorsement.

E-bike riders are also required to follow traffic laws and practice safety.

"With school back in session, we ask all drivers and riders to slow down, stay alert, and make safe decisions," police said. "Reckless driving can have serious consequences for you, your passengers, pedestrians, and everyone sharing the road."

As part of enforcement actions on Thursday for student orientation day, police said they conducted 33 vehicle stops and issued 21 infractions and eight warnings.

Police said the highest recorded speed for a vehicle was 55 mph on East Putnam Avenue near Cardinal Stadium at approximately 9:15 a.m.