Arnold mayor seeks regulation on use of minibikes

Mayor Joseph Bia said he plans to rein in youths riding minibikes recklessly on Arnold’s streets before they injure somebody, including themselves.

Bia brought the matter before city council at its meeting last week.

“We’ve got a big problem with kids riding minibikes through the streets,” he said. “They’re breaking about every traffic regulation there is.”

He said young people riding the small motorized bikes weave back and forth through the streets and show no regard for pedestrians or other vehicles.

“It’s only a matter of time before one of them gets seriously hurt or killed,” Bia said.

Eric Gartley, chief of Arnold Volunteer Fire Company No. 2, supported Bia’s claim. He said there have been incidents where minibikes have run into parked cars and people riding regular bicycles. He said those crashes did not result in serious injuries.

Bia said the problem is the police aren’t able to do much about it because minibikes with an engine smaller than 50 cubic centimeters are not covered specifically by the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code.

He said he plans to consult with Solicitor Jaclyn Shaw to see whether city council can provide some form of regulation by passing an ordinance to control minibikes.