Providence, Cranston announce joint task force to prevent use of illegal dirt bikes, ATVs on city streets

March 16, 2021 10:36 am

Joshua Faiola, Dominique Turner,

PROVIDENCE, R.I (WLNE) – Top officials in Providence and Cranston held a joint press conference on Tuesday addressing the ongoing issue of ATV’s and dirt bikes overwhelming city streets.

Cranston Mayor Kenneth Hopkins and Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza said the two cities will be creating a task force to help both police department’s share resources and information.

Additionally, the cities announced they will be cracking down on gas station owners and anyone else promoting the illegal riding.

“Not just one city is going to be able to fix it. We need more than one. We’re going to need the entire state of Rhode Island to pitch in to help this. This is our first attempt to be collaborative to work together to get our police chiefs. To get our police chiefs together on the same page,” Cranston’s Mayor Hopkins told the press on Tuesday.

Both mayors were joined Providence’s Chief of Police Hugh Clements and Cranston’s Chief of Police Michael Winquist.

There have been several incidents involving the bikes which have resulted in violence. In January, a Cranston police officer was sent to the hospital after being hit by an ATV.

In October, Jhamal Gonsalves was critically injured after police broke up a large ride-out.

As warm weather approaches, police warn residents who are operating the vehicles that enforcement efforts will continue.

Officials told ABC6 other cities have also expressed interest in getting involved in the task force. So far, there is no word on which communities may join.