Rockford asks the community for help handling the ATV nuisance

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — The City of Rockford is looking for the community’s help in trying to tackle its ATV issue.

“These folks are riding them in Rockford. They have to drive home and at some point put their head on a bed,” said Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara. “And so we’re asking those residents specifically in those neighborhoods, please reach out to us.”

For months now the city has been working on solutions but they have not solved the problem.

“I can tell you this past weekend, I had the opportunity to see some of these ATVs on the street. It was not a pleasant experience,” said Rockford Police Chief Carla Redd. “The blatant disregard to public safety, they have no regard for their own safety, let alone the other individuals that are in vehicles traveling on the street.”

So far, police received more than 40 complaints and seized 11 ATVs. Now they are offering a reward of $200 to anyone with information leading to a citation.

“Initially, it was just public messaging. Then it was the new audiences. Then it was chief adding additional officers towards it. Now it’s a reward system and additional cameras and radar detection vehicles,” said McNamara. “So we’re just continuing to ramp up the work that we do to help make sure our streets are safer.”

The law states you cannot drive an ATV or non-highway vehicle on public streets, but those vehicles are still popular in Rockford and safe riding is encouraged.

Brandon Jack, General Manager at Loves Park Motorsports spoke about the fun you can have when being responsible.

“I mean, we always stress to ride them in a safe space, whether or not it’s your own property or it’s an RV park,” said Jack. “Rocky Glen is the most, you know, the closest RV park for us. I mean, you have the right area, the helmets, goggles, you know, you know the right protection for the family and it’s a fun sport.”

All ATVs must be registered in the city. To register, click here .

Rockford Police are also offering $200 rewards for tips that lead to an arrest or confiscation of ATVs or other off-road vehicles. To send a tip text RPDTIP and your tip to 847411. If your tip leads to confiscation or arrest, we will reach out to you for contact information, otherwise, the tip will remain anonymous. To send a tip online, click here .

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