BELLEVUE, Neb. — Riding dirt bikes, ATVs, mini-bikes, go-carts and similar off-road vehicles on Bellevue streets, sidewalks, trails and parks could soon become illegal under a new ordinance scheduled for consideration by the Bellevue City Council on July 7.
If approved, Ordinance No. 4220 would create a new section of the Bellevue Municipal Code prohibiting the operation of off-road recreational vehicles on virtually all public property within the city.
According to city officials, the ordinance is intended to address a growing number of complaints and safety concerns involving vehicles that are designed for off-road use but are being operated on city streets, sidewalks, bike paths and trails.
What vehicles would be covered?
The ordinance applies to vehicles that are built for off-road use and are not legally equipped or registered to drive on public streets.
Examples include:
- Dirt bikes
- Pit bikes
- Mini-bikes
- ATVs
- Side-by-sides (UTVs)
- Go-carts
- Golf carts that are not street legal
- Off-road motorcycles
- Certain electric motorcycles and electric scooters that do not qualify as legal e-bikes or mopeds
The ordinance specifically defines these as vehicles that are manufactured for off-road riding and lack the equipment required by Nebraska law for street use, such as proper lighting, mirrors, registration and license plates.
Where would they be prohibited?
Under the proposal, these vehicles could not be operated on any city-owned public property, including:
- Streets
- Alleys
- Sidewalks
- Bike paths
- Multi-use trails
- Parks
- Public parking lots
- Other city-owned property or public rights-of-way
The prohibition would apply regardless of the rider’s age, speed or how long the vehicle is being operated.
Are there any exceptions?
Yes. The ordinance includes several exceptions.
It would not apply to:
- Police officers, firefighters or other city employees performing official duties.
- People crossing a street directly from one piece of private property to another, provided they get off and walk the vehicle across if it is capable of being pushed.
- Individuals using wheelchairs or personal mobility devices because of a disability.
- Vehicles being used as part of a city-approved parade, festival, athletic event or other authorized public event.
- Low-speed electric personal mobility devices designed to carry one person on sidewalks or trails, provided their top powered speed does not exceed 20 miles per hour.
What are the penalties?
Violating the ordinance would be classified as a Class III misdemeanor under city code.
The ordinance allows for:
- A fine of up to $500
- Up to six months in jail
- Or both, depending on the circumstances and the court’s decision.
Each separate violation could be treated as its own offense.
The proposal also makes parents or legal guardians responsible if they knowingly allow someone under the age of 18 to operate one of these vehicles on public property in violation of the ordinance.
Why is the city proposing the ordinance?
The ordinance states that Bellevue has experienced collisions, near-collisions and resident complaints involving off-road recreational vehicles being operated on streets, sidewalks, bike paths and trails.
City officials also note that many of these vehicles cannot be legally registered for street use, are often uninsured and are frequently operated by individuals who are either unlicensed or too young to legally drive on public roadways.
Council members are expected to consider the ordinance during the July 7 City Council meeting. If approved, it would take effect after its passage, approval, and publication as required by law.
