TOWN OF UNION, N.Y. (WBNG) — The Broome County Sheriff’s Office says it is launching a targeted enforcement effort in the Town of Union on illegal motorcycle, dirt bike, and E-bike use.
The proposal comes after multiple complaints about juveniles’ misuse of motorized bikes over the past few months, according to the BCSO.
“In 15 years of service to the Town of Union, I have never had so many complaints, phone calls, videos, pictures sent to me of E-bike problems in the Town of Union. And it’s all over, and it’s very, very frustrating,” said Robert Mack, the Town of Union’s Supervisor.
Officials say the operation will roll out in two phases, starting with warnings and education for first-time offenders.
The sheriff’s office says enforcement will then escalate to tickets and citations and could include vehicle or bike seizure in certain cases.
A similar measure was implemented in 2025 by the Broome County Sheriff’s Office to target illegal ATV and UTV use.
“We’re not after riders lawfully navigating our community’s streets and roads,” said Broome County Sheriff Fred Akshar. “Our concern is on juveniles treating dirt bikes like cars, joyriding through the streets and putting not only their own lives at risk, but the lives of our fellow residents.”
Town officials say they’ve seen damage related to the vehicles and are considering a new local law that would add fines for unlawful use in parks and other town property.
A public hearing on the proposed law is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 7 p.m.
“The town has experienced extensive damage in our town parks, especially Highland Park, and our ball fields, especially Struble Field. We have pictures and video of them destroying fields after rainstorms, doing what they call ‘donuts’ on the Little League fields and purposely damaging parks,” Mack said.
Additionally, BCSO released a guide outlining New York State guidelines governing E-bikes, E-motorcycles and dirt bikes to help educate the public on lawful use and operation of these vehicles in the community.
More information on New York State vehicle and traffic law can be found at nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/VAT/T11A48-C.
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