BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Education will precede enforcement of a new city law targeting illegal dirt bikes and more on the streets of Bethlehem, city Police Chief Michelle Kott said Tuesday.
Those riding improper machines on city roadways, sidewalks or bike lanes now will face first-time fines of up to $200 and potential forfeiture of their machines.
“We’ve done directed patrols before, not only for the vehicles but also for the loud vehicles that have the aftermarket exhaust on them. That’s something we plan on doing again in the future.”Bethlehem Police Chief Michelle Kott
And don’t get caught riding your snowmobile within the city limits.
If you are, you’ll pay, though there’s no risk of impoundment, thanks to Commonwealth Vehicle Code.
Bethlehem City Council on Tuesday unanimously approved the new ordinance aimed at dirt bikes, all-terrain vehicles and snowmobiles operated without both state registration or proper equipment for the roadways, such as turn signals and rearview mirrors.
First offenses will cost $50-200, while second and subsequent cases will be $100-300.
Police have discretion in whether to seize and impound vehicles, though final forfeiture only comes with a rider’s guilty plea or conviction through the ordinance.
May affect more than just riders
Owners, operators or employees of city gas stations also may face the same fines if found to have sold or offered gas to anyone operating the illegal bikes and ATVs.
Such vehicles aren’t to be confused with dual-sport motorcycles — a machine one can take both on or off road legally, thanks to emissions testing and other proper features — or electric bicycles that shut off power assistance at 28 mph.
Riding such illegal vehicles on public roads also is not allowed, even at the state level, generally, except for when on certain trails and state park roads.
A 2022 amendment to the law stated dirt bikes should be kept off of public highways, sidewalks and bike lanes in Pennsylvania's cities.
Looking to educate
Asked what’s first moving forward with an approval of the ordinance, Police Chief Michelle Kott said, “education.”
Since 2022, her department has responded to seven major crashes involving the illegal vehicles, she said.
Councilman Bryan Callahan asked whether locals could expect any “roving patrols” in the central business areas of town that seem to be among the areas most affected by the illegal riders.
“Speaking to the District Attorney’s office over in Lehigh County, they were very, very aggressively going after this problem because of how pervasive it is in the Lehigh Valley."Bethlehem Police Chief Michelle Kott
“We’ve done directed patrols before, not only for the vehicles but also for the loud vehicles that have the aftermarket exhaust on them,” Kott said.
“That’s something we plan on doing again in the future.”
The ordinance was brought forward by Kott and Northampton County District Attorney Stephen Baratta. However, Kott said the issue prevails in the Lehigh County corners of the city, too.
“Speaking to the District Attorney’s office over in Lehigh County, they were very, very aggressively going after this problem because of how pervasive it is in the Lehigh Valley,” Kott said.
