Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The Buffalo Common Council is looking to tackle a growing problem that's been affecting almost every major city across the United States - all terrain vehicles (ATVs).
Fillmore District Councilman Mitch Nowakowski says the city has already made owning ATVs more difficult, but now they're looking to outright ban the sale or transfer of them within city limits.
"The fact is, our built environment cannot support all terrain vehicles, and it creates a threat to public safety," said Nowakowski in an interview with WBEN. "We have seen numerous times on video that the reason why the Buffalo Police have a 'No Chase' policy is because they cannot chase with their vehicle. An all terrain vehicle on a sidewalk without taking out a ton of pedestrians and jeopardizing their safety. Then ultimately, I hear the critics that say, 'Well, why don't you just build an ATV Park?' The City of Buffalo is in a fiscal deficit, and that is not the role of a local municipality to provide an ATV Park. We have to provide essential services."
Niagara District Councilman David Rivera believes the ban should go beyond the sale of ATVs, and target repairs and general maintenance of the vehicles.
"Perhaps we should look at other municipalities, how they're dealing with it, and see if their practices are even as strict as ours. But I'd be willing to work and add my name to that. It's a big problem in my district," Rivera pondered with WBEN. "They pose a risk, not only to themselves for riding and the way they ride them, but to the general public, up-and-down the streets, one way on sidewalks. I think we need to make it more restrictive."