Letter from Village President Hettermann - Unauthorized Motorized Vehicles and Reminder

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Recently our Village and the surrounding community have been touched by tragic incidents involving children operating motorized bikes and other unauthorized motor vehicles on public roadways. Several of our residents have reached out to the Village Hall and Police Department to voice their concerns over these vehicles and their increased presence throughout our community.

The Illinois Vehicle Code does allow for the operation of some motorized bikes on roads, if they are equipped with pedals and operate in the same manner as a pedal bicycle. However, most of the motorized bikes we encounter do not operate in this manner and therefore they are not allowed on roadways and sidewalks, nor are dirt bikes, ATVs, go carts and four-wheelers with straddle seats. When we’ve encountered these unauthorized vehicles, our officers have attempted to handle the situation with understanding. They are empathetic to our youth and try to offer more guidance than enforcement whenever possible but unfortunately, the increased reports of reckless operation of these unauthorized vehicles is now at a level that poorly impacts our community. To deter the reckless activity, officers have been directed to increase strict enforcement and issue citations. I encourage all parents whose children have access to an electric motor bike to review State and local laws associated with their operation. If you are unsure if your child’s motorized bike is authorized for use on the roadway, please contact the Johnsburg Police Department for clarification. Please talk with your children about the safe operation of any bike or authorized vehicle in the public way and help keep our community’s youth safe.

I am disappointed to report that the Village again experienced vandalism at Hiller Park, this time as a result of a non-highway vehicle driving in the park and tearing up the turf. Security camera upgrades are being pursued at several Village parks and facilities this year and violators will be caught and cited. Additionally, we continue to receive reports of non-highway vehicle owners traveling, unauthorized, across private property. As I have previously stated, the use of golf carts and side by sides on Village roadways is a privilege so please operate them in a responsible manner and do not travel on property not designated for their use.

If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the police department at 815-385-6024. We appreciate everyone’s concerns and cooperation as we continue to strive in making Johnsburg the safest community possible.

Respectfully,
Edwin P. Hettermann
Village President