Boston mayor targets stunt driving, other reckless road activity

Boston Mayor Martin Walsh filed an ordinance on Tuesday that is designed to ensure safe storage and operation of recreational and other vehicles.

If the ordinance receives approval from the Boston City Council, the new standards would be implemented immediately.

The ordinance would restrict people from using their motorized conveyances in a hazardous way. This includes recreational vehicles that are in any public space in the city. This also includes stunt or truck riding, side or front or rear wheels that are lifted from the ground, operating a vehicle while a passenger rides on the handle bars, or riding when a passenger’s knees or feet are on the seat.

Violations would result in fines or impounding of vehicles.

"We are committed to creating safer streets for our officers and for our residents and visitors," Walsh said. "I look forward to working with the City Council to pass this ordinance and end the inappropriate and dangerous use of recreational vehicles to better protect our communities."

"Recreational vehicles have become ... a nuisance on our neighborhoods, disrupting the quality of life and presenting a genuine public safety hazard," Stephen Murphy, a Boston City Councilor, said. "This ordinance, filed by Mayor Walsh, will go a long way to giving the Boston Police Department the necessary tools to keep the public safe and streets peaceful in the City of Boston."