METHUEN —City officials are considering a proposed ordinance that would penalize gas stations for selling fuel to dirt bike riders on public roads.
The regulation, which is scheduled to be discussed by the City Council Monday, is a “first step” in tackling the issue of groups illegally and hazardously driving dirt bikes on city streets, Councilor Ryan DiZoglio said.
In Massachusetts, it’s generally illegal to drive dirt bikes or other similar vehicles in the public way.
The debate follows a series of incidents last weekend involving a large group of people riding dirt bikes in the city. Officials are also discussing other measures such as more surveillance technology to track bikers.
The restriction is already adopted in Lawrence and while not a solution is another way to “inconvenience” and give scofflaws another reason not to drive recklessly in Methuen, Police Chief Scott McNamara said.
“Today, I witnessed a dangerous crash on Merrimack Street involving illegal dirt bikes,” DiZoglio said last Sunday on social media. “Not only was this a serious safety risk, but these riders were also careening through traffic recklessly.”
A modified gun was also found at the scene, according to DiZoglio.
During a meeting this week of the council’s Safety Subcommittee, local business owner David Consoli expressed concerns with the behavior he witnessed over the weekend.
He said he was surrounded by a group of “thugs” who popped wheelies and brandished a firearm. He said when patrol cars arrived police were surrounded and taunted.
“I don’t recognize Methuen anymore,” Consoli said.
“Fines and gas sales restriction will not deter this type of behavior. No civility, no respect for authority.”
After the incident some residents have complained on social media about what they see as a lack of consequences for the illegal dirt bike riders who evade police.
Police have a very strict set of rules to initiative car chases due to the danger pursuits pose to bystanders, McNamara said.
“My biggest concern is the innocent motoring public,” he said.
The department only pursues vehicles when a violent crime that involves the use of force has been committed or if there has been the use or possession of a gun in an illegal manner, McNamara said.
Police also have to constantly monitor a number of “variables” during a chase. He said it was a “balancing act.”
However, McNamara also said emerging drone technology combined with continued investment in the city’s camera program enables police to track suspects without putting lives at risk.
“Technology is our way forward,” he said.
The Police Department is looking at technology that would enable officials to launch remotely operated drones from the police station that would fly to 400 feet and then travel at 60 mph to a location and even have the capability to track moving targets, McNamara said.
“Ultimately we can follow someone home,” he said.
The program would cost roughly $125,000 per year for two drones. There is also an additional cost for a radar system.
Although the city has already set aside money for the technology, the purchase and implementation is currently being stalled by a recent federal requirement that requires the department to find an American based model.
The proposed resolution would impose a $100 for any gas station that knowingly sells gas to someone arriving on a dirt bike and looking to fuel up.
DiZoglio expressed concern that the workers at gas stations may be afraid of an altercation breaking out if they refuse service.
The rule also requires employees to monitor pumps. Councilors need to weigh the burden it places on businesses, with the benefits of the ban, McNamara said.
He said during the meeting that police are also working on “preplanned operations” to target offenders.