The Cornwall Police Service says a man has been arrested after an investigation into several complaints about dangerous electric dirt bike riders in the city. Police said residents have reported people riding electric dirt bikes on sidewalks, crosswalks, and private property, doing stunts and driving at high speeds. A 21-year-old Cornwall man was arrested on Wednesday. The man is facing a criminal charge of dangerous operation and several Highway Traffic Act charges, including stunt driving, driving without insurance, driving with an improper licence, and driving an off-road vehicle on a highway. Police say they are looking to arrest two other people in connection with these reported incidents. Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to contact the CPS at 613-933-5000, ext. 3, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). The investigation involved the use of drones, police said. Images shared on social media show three or four people on the bikes on city streets and paths. “Our community has seen an increase in complaints regarding off-road vehicles being operated on city streets and cyclists and e-bike riders failing to obey traffic laws, creating a serious public and road safety concern,” said Deputy Chief Chad Maxwell in a news release. “Every person using our roads, regardless of their mode of transportation, has a responsibility to follow the rules designed to protect all road users, as ignoring traffic laws increases the risk of collisions, injuries, and tragic outcomes for everyone, including pedestrians, motorists, cyclists and families in our neighbourhoods.” Police remind residents that electric dirt bikes and other off-road vehicles are generally prohibited from operating on municipal roads, sidewalks, parks, and other public areas.
