Jul. 18—NORWICH — ATVs, dirt bikes and mini-motorcycles will be banned from city streets when an ordinance approved unanimously by the City Council on Monday takes effect at the end of this month.

Several residents spoke in favor of the new ban Monday, relaying their own experiences witnessing reckless behavior by youths riding on city streets. The new ordinance gives police the authority to seize vehicles and levy fines starting at $100 for violators.

The new ordinance will take effect 10 days after a notice is published later this week in the newspaper. It bans ATVs, dirt bikes and mini-motorcycles from any property owned, leased or controlled by the city, "specifically and especially on public streets, highways, recreation areas, sidewalks and in any public spaces, thereby preventing damage to flora and fauna and to hiking trials, stone walls, and other physical features of the city's parks, public places and streets."

Riders must stop if signaled by any law enforcement officer to do so. Police could seize the vehicle and could auction it if a person cannot prove ownership within 48 hours. The ordinance authorizes a fine of $100 for the first offense, $250 for a second violation and $500 for third or subsequent violations. The operator or owner also could be held liable for any damage to trees, shrubs, lawns, crops, fences or other property.

Speakers in favor of the ordinance at Monday's public hearing stressed that the ordinance must have "teeth" and be enforced.

Resident Larry Rice said that on Sunday, a dirt bike rider was in front of him popping a wheelie straight up for about a half mile on West Main Street-Route 82.

"I don't know how he didn't tip the bike over," he said.

Rice said the vehicles are not registered and if there is an accident, the vehicles have no insurance.

Resident Joanne Philbrick said that on Friday evening, several dirt bikes "screamed by" on Town Street at the start of the Friday evening concert on the Norwichtown Green. She said the group raced up Town Street and turned onto West Town Street.

Philbrick said she supported the ordinance, calling it a step in the right direction.

"However, I have serious doubts about the enforcement of this ordinance," she said.

Maple Street residents Martin and Ruth Ouimet said they see the bikers riding up and down their street, not wearing helmets and running stop signs. Martin Ouimet said he would not want the ordinance to target scooter-type small motorcycles often used by owners to commute through the city.

Police Chief Patrick Daley assured speakers Monday that the department plans to enforce the ordinance "aggressively, when needed." He said the department would not target motorized scooters, which are small motorcycles with engine size of less than 49cc, which typically have maximum speeds of 30 mph.

Daley said those bikes ride on the sides of the road, and riders must obey all traffic signals and regulations.

c.bessette@theday.com