Greenwich police want the power to confiscate dirt bikes, ATVs, and souped-up e-bikes from riders who residents say are endangering neighborhoods in Cos Cob, Old Greenwich, and Armstrong Court. A vote on the ordinance is expected Thursday, Aug. 13.

Capt. Patrick Smyth of the Greenwich Police Department presented the draft ordinance to the Board of Selectmen at its Thursday, July 23 meeting, arguing that traffic tickets alone aren't stopping reckless riders.

"This gives us the ability to seize their vehicles, whether it's a dirt bike, motorcycle or ATV, and either sell it or destroy it," Smyth told selectmen. "When you take their vehicle, and they're putting their money into this because they want it to be modified, that will discourage them."

The ordinance draws its authority from Connecticut Public Act 25-80, signed by Gov. Ned Lamont in June 2025, which lets municipalities impose escalating fines: $1,000 for a first violation, $1,500 for a second, and $2,000 for each subsequent offense. Vehicles used in violations can be permanently forfeited.

Three neighborhoods, one problem

First Selectman Fred Camillo said complaints have come from across town. Residents in Cos Cob near the post office, along Sound Beach Avenue in Old Greenwich, and at the Armstrong Court housing complex have all reported dangerous riding, according to Greenwich Free Press.

Specific complaints include riding on sidewalks, running stop signs, carrying multiple passengers on single-seat bikes, and riding against traffic.

Greenwich Housing Authority board chair Sam Romeo called Camillo's radio show to voice support, saying riders have "been a big problem down at Armstrong Court."

More than street takeovers

While street takeovers involving drag racing and stunt driving have plagued Bridgeport, New Haven, and other Connecticut cities, Greenwich hasn't experienced those events, according to Patch. But the ordinance covers both takeovers and the everyday reckless operation of recreational vehicles on public streets, parks, and parking lots.

Smyth noted that many modified e-bikes exceed 3,500 watts, reclassifying them as motorcycles under state law. That means riders need a valid driver's license, DMV registration, and insurance. In April 2026, Greenwich Police posted a photo of a 10,000-watt vehicle being operated by a juvenile under 16, which is illegal.

The Board of Selectmen postponed action at its Friday, July 31 meeting to allow two weeks of public comment, according to the Greenwich Sentinel. The second reading and anticipated vote is set for the Thursday, Aug. 13 meeting.

School ban preceded ordinance push

Central Middle School principal Tom Healy banned e-bikes and e-scooters from the Cos Cob campus in September 2025, telling families that parents would be called to retrieve any such vehicle brought to school.

Greenwich officials also cited a "displacement effect" concern: as neighboring towns adopt similar ordinances under the new state law, reckless riders could migrate into Greenwich.

The two-week public comment period runs through the Aug. 13 Board of Selectmen meeting.