REDFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Redford residents raise alarm over ATV, dirt bike danger on neighborhood streets
Residents in Redford Township are speaking out about a problem they say has been going on for years: off-road vehicles tearing through neighborhood streets, often ridden by people without helmets.
ATVs, dirt bikes, and minibikes have become a regular sight on Delaware Avenue and surrounding streets, neighbors say.
Residents report the riders show up at all hours, with little regard for traffic or safety.
A neighbor put the timeline into perspective.
“Once summer hits, they’re at night time, they’re during the day,” the resident said.
A deadly reminder of what’s at stake
The concern isn’t just noise; it’s a matter of life and death. In March, a 15-year-old riding an ATV without a helmet was struck by a car and killed near 6 Mile Road and Kinloch Street.
Community members say the tragedy hit close to home.
One resident described the danger of simply pulling out of their own driveway.
“You know, I back out of the driveway, and if there’s another vehicle parked in the street next door to me, I don’t know that they’re coming, some of them you can’t hear,” the resident said.
What police are saying
Local 4 reached out to Redford Township police about the issue.
While officials were not available for an on-camera interview, police Chief Jennifer Mansfield provided a written statement.
“In Redford Township, ATVs/dirt bikes/minibikes are not legal on any public street, park, or school property. In fact, these vehicles are only allowed on personally owned property,” Mansfield said.
Officers are responding to complaints as they come in, Mansfield said, but the consequences for those caught go beyond a warning.
“When these vehicles are caught, they are impounded, and citations may be issued to the rider and, in many circumstances, to parents who allow the children to ride illegally,” said Mansfield.
Mansfield also pointed to the broader dangers these riders face, and create on public roads.
“Citizens and children need to understand the dangers of riding these vehicles in the Township, including the lack of visibility of the riders to drivers in cars, the risk of injury if involved in a crash, and the damage that is often done to our parks,” Mansfield said.
As summer approaches, the department says it plans to step up its presence in the areas most affected.
“As we move into the summer months, our School Resource Officers will spend a large amount of their time in the parks and residential neighborhoods to deter these behaviors, as well as providing educational presentations at all school levels,” Mansfield added.
Residents who have video of the violations and know where the riders live are encouraged to share that information with the department’s Traffic Bureau at tuser@redfordpd.org. Mansfield noted that if riders cause damage, criminal charges may also be pursued.