Why Broome County Sheriff Is Cracking Down on Illegal Off-Road Riding

Scroll through any Broome County community Facebook group lately, and you'll find the same complaint on repeat: dirt bikes buzzing through neighborhoods at all hours, kids weaving between cars on machines that were never meant for pavement. The Broome County Sheriff's Office has noticed the same thing, and they're done letting it slide.

Why Broome County Deputies Are Cracking Down on Illegal Off-Road Riding

The Broome County Sheriff's Office announced a targeted enforcement initiative aimed at illegal use of motorcycles, dirt bikes, and e-bikes. Over the past few months, deputies say they've received reports and personally witnessed dirt bikes and e-motorcycles being ridden illegally on public roads, sidewalks, and railroad tracks, often by juveniles.

Sheriff Fred Akshar said the goal is to get ahead of a tragedy rather than respond to one. Dirt bikes, he said, "are not road vehicles, and they simply don't belong on the highway or roads in our community."

What Counts as an Illegal Off-Road Motorcycle

Under New York law, off-road motorcycles, including e-dirt bikes, have no pedals and can reach speeds over 40 miles per hour. They're built strictly for off-road use, which means riding one in the street is illegal regardless of age. These vehicles also can't be operated on sidewalks, bike paths, power line trails, right-of-ways, public lands, in parks, or on any public property.

Two-Phase Enforcement Starts With Warnings, Moves to Citations

The crackdown will run in two phases over the next month. The first phase focuses on education and warnings for first-time offenders. The second phase shifts to active enforcement, including tickets, citations, and possible seizure of the vehicle or bike, depending on the violation. The Sheriff's Office instituted a similar measure in 2025 targeting illegal ATV and UTV use.

Akshar made it clear that the initiative isn't aimed at riders who follow the rules. "We're not after riders lawfully navigating our community's streets and roads," he said, adding that the concern is juveniles treating dirt bikes like cars and putting themselves and others at risk.

Town of Union Backs the Crackdown, Weighs New Fines

Town of Union Supervisor Robert Mack voiced support for the operation, citing repeated complaints about unsafe behavior and damage to town parks and ball fields from illegal use of e-scooters, e-bikes, mini-bikes, and e-dirt bikes. The Town of Union will hold a public hearing on August 12, 2026, at 7 p.m. to discuss a proposed law that would impose new fines for unlawful use of these vehicles on parks and town property.

Helmet Requirements by Age and Vehicle Type

Helmets are required by law for anyone riding a bicycle up to age 14, and for all ages on any motorcycle, mini-bike, or ATV. For e-bikes and e-scooters specifically, helmets aren't universally required, but they are mandated for 16- and 17-year-olds operating an e-scooter or a Class 3 e-bike in New York City, and recommended everywhere else.

Where E-Bikes and Mopeds Are Legally Allowed to Ride

E-bikes are permitted in bike lanes and on streets with speed limits no greater than 30 miles per hour, including bridges. Mopeds, classified as limited-use motorcycles, are restricted to the right lane or shoulder, including bridge vehicle lanes, except when making a left turn. Speed caps vary by classification, ranging from 20 miles per hour for a Class 1 e-bike up to 40 miles per hour for a Class A moped, and licensing and registration requirements increase accordingly. Mopeds require a driver's license, DMV registration, and license plates. E-bikes and e-scooters do not.

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How to Report Illegal Riding in Broome County

Residents can submit anonymous tips to the Broome County Sheriff's Tip Line at (607) 778-1196, or through the department's smartphone app. In an emergency, the Sheriff's Office asks residents to call 911.