Yorktown Adopts New ATV Law in Response to Vehicular Assault

YORKTOWN, N.Y.  – The Town Board adopted new regulations for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and off-highway motorcycles on Tuesday in response to a vehicular assault in a public park last summer.

Under the new local law, it is illegal to operate an ATV or off-road motorcycle on any public property in Yorktown. The new law also forbids operating any state-registered motor vehicle, including Jeeps, 4x4s or trucks, on town park trails. The new law prohibits riding ATVs and off-road motorcycles on private property unless the vehicle’s operator obtains written consent from the property owner.

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“The Aug, 27 vehicular assault on a town resident at Lakeside Park was a shocking display of disregard for safety by the driver of the ATV. The Town Board will not tolerate the use of these vehicles in our public parks,” said Supervisor Ed Lachterman. “People have a right to own and operate ATVs and off-road motorcycles, but that right comes with the responsibility to safely operate these vehicles in legally permitted areas.”

Police arrested Kyle Frankild of Yorktown for allegedly running his ATV into a 64-year-old Yorktown resident who was attempting to stop Frankild and other dirt bike riders from damaging Lakeside Park’s ballfields. He pleaded guilty last week to second-degree assault in Westchester County Court after he was promised a probationary sentence that includes six months in the county jail.

Yorktown’s new regulations prohibit parking on public areas or private property accessible to the public any motor vehicle that is not properly registered and does not have a license plate for a continuous period of 96 hours. The Yorktown police may impound vehicles that exceed the 96-hour limit.

The new law also prohibits fleeing from any town employee or law enforcement agency while riding an ATV or off-highway motorcycle. Parents who knowingly allow their children to violate the Town’s ATV/motorcycle ordinance will be held liable.

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Fines for violating the new laws range up to $500 for a first offense and up to $1,000 for subsequent offenses. Police can impound any vehicle cited in a violation.

Article courtesy of Thompson Bender/Town of Yorktown

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