Bridgeport Officials Weigh Proposal Targeting Dirt Bikes On City Streets

BRIDGETPORT, Conn. (CBSNewYork) -- Dirt bikes and small motorcycles are wreaking havoc on Bridgeport's streets.

The bikers weave in and out of traffic, putting themselves and motorists in danger, officials say.

City Council President Tom McCarthy says a tougher ordinance is on the table, one that would boost fines up to $2,000 to retrieve an impounded bike.

Listen to Bridgeport Officials Weigh Proposal Targeting Dirt Bikes On City Streets

He said the biggest hazard is that the bikers ignore the rules of the road, putting everyone on the street at risk.

"You don't want to get into any chases with these vehicles," McCarthy told WCBS 880 Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau. "The police don't want to chase them down because that creates an even more hazardous situation for the city."

McCarthy noted that dirt bikes and so-called "pocket bikes" are illegal on the city's main streets, and he hopes a more isolated area can be designated for those bikers.