Published: August 29, 2008 01:27 am      

Illegal riding of four-wheelers, motorcycles in Rivesville addressed

RIVESVILLE — According to city council members, off-road motorcycle and four-wheeler use in the town is becoming a major problem.

Two council members broached the topic during this week’s meeting, saying that they have been receiving complaints from residents around the town. Roxann Smith, council member, said that dirt bikes are running up and down streets in town.

“They are running crazy,” she said.

Dirt bikes are strictly forbidden within town limits, said Council Member Jim Hershman. Hershman added that there are also restrictions on four-wheelers in town.

For example, four-wheelers can be ridden within town limits if the operator is a licensed driver. Operators between the ages of 16 and 18 must be wearing a helmet, Hershman said. Drivers also must be at least 18 years old if they are carrying a passenger, he added. A four-wheeler carrying a passenger must also be equipped with a buddy seat, Hershman said.

“And the four-wheeler must be insured,” he noted.

Mayor Tammie Crites informed the council members that police officers in Rivesville will be cracking down on those riding illegally.

The council members also discussed a recent decision to install stop signs on some of the town’s streets.

Hershman suggested that the decision be revisited. Hershman added that he believed Chris Veltri, Rivesville police chief, should survey the area and then make a suggestion to the council as to whether or not the stop signs should be located on those streets. The council members agreed to Hershman’s suggestions.

The council members unanimously agreed to abandon an unnamed alleyway in the town. The alley, which adjoins Martin Street, lies completely within the boundaries of a resident’s property, Crites said. She added that the alley is impassible.

Lauronza Harmon, council member, also mentioned a complaint that she received about the Rivesville Elementary/ Middle School gymnasium.

Harmon voiced concerns about the steps leading into the gym, saying that they were showing considerable wear and tear. She added that the board of education had patched the steps in the past, but the repair work was starting to deteriorate as well.

E-mail Paul Fallon at pfallon@timeswv.com.