A Bold Pledge: Watterman Prioritizes Keeping ATVs Off Jersey City Streets

With summer underway—and the deeply concerning rise of illegal ATV and dirt bike use on Jersey City’s streets—Council President Joyce Watterman is taking a strong stand. In a recent letter to the editor, she pledged that, if elected mayor, combating unauthorized off-road vehicles will be a top priority (Hudson County View).

The Problem on Our Streets

Each summer, the roar of unregistered ATVs and dirt bikes not only disturbs the peace but poses serious risks to pedestrians, children, seniors, and motorists. Watterman emphasizes that these are more than a nuisance—they are a real public safety crisis, with near-misses and reckless driving incidents on the rise (Hudson County View).

What’s Already Been Done

• Local ordinances now ban ATVs and dirt bikes on city streets, empowering law enforcement to seize and destroy vehicles used illegally.

• New state laws prohibit fueling unregistered ATVs at gas stations and impose steep fines on storage facilities that harbor these illegal vehicles (Hudson County View).

These moves have made illicit ATV riding more difficult—but as Watterman points out, enforcement alone isn’t enough to fix the problem.

Watterman’s Mayoral Vision

Here’s what she plans to do if elected:

1. Expand community outreach and youth education to clearly show the dangers and consequences of illegal riding.

2. Provide safe and positive alternatives—sports, recreational programs, legal riding areas—for kids who might otherwise turn to dirt bikes on the streets.

3. Strengthen regional cooperation, working with state and regional officials to bolster enforcement and increase penalties across New Jersey (Hudson County View).

As she writes, “We have the power to act now—united, proactive, and committed to building a safer, more vibrant Jersey City for all our families” (Hudson County View).

Community Response

Local voices are mixed:A reader commented,

“Why … campaign off of stopping kids from riding ATV’s? … make them seem the worst criminals because they ride bikes.” (Hudson County View)

While another supporter declared,

“Miss Wattermen. You have my vote definitely.” (Hudson County View)

Bottom Line

Watterman’s proposal moves beyond penalties—combining enforcement with education, community engagement, and regional collaboration. It’s a comprehensive response to a recurring summer issue—and in her view, a campaign priority that goes far beyond a one-off crackdown.

What’s Your Take?

• Should mayoral candidates put more emphasis on creating safe, legal recreation options for Jersey City youth?

• And how do you feel about linking broader public safety initiatives with summertime ATV enforcement?

Let’s talk below!