AURORA | Aurora parents could face fines of $250 or more if they let their kids drive dirt bikes on city streets and property, under a proposed ordinance headed to the Aurora City Council Monday.
The measure, slated for study session debate Monday night, adds a section to city laws making it illegal for parents or guardians to “knowingly permit anyone under 18 to operate or ride an off-highway vehicle in violation of existing city restrictions.”
So-called “dirt bikes” are small motorcycles intended for off-road recreation. Most do not meet minimum street-regulations, but minors are prohibited from driving any motorized vehicles on city streets and public roads without a valid driver’s license.
Parents who plead or are found guilty of the proposed measure would face a minimum fine of $250, according to the bill language. The new measure would levy penalties separate from those imposed for infractions by the minor dirt-bike driver.
City officials said in legislation details that the proposed change was prompted by a rise in accidents and injuries tied to dirt-bike riding by minors in Aurora and the surrounding region.
Despite current prohibitions on off-highway vehicle use in city streets, sidewalks, open spaces and business areas, officials said minors continue to ride with little resistance.
The measure is slated for discussion at the city’s on-line study session Monday, beginning at 5:25 p.m.
Also on the agenda for Monday night’s regular city council meeting, court fines imposed for English interpreters for people who don’t appear for their jury trial could more than double in price.
During the study session, Aug. 25, city council gave tentative approval to a measure that would more than double the court costs for interpreters from $35 to $90. The new fee would apply only to individuals who fail to appear for their jury trial and does not include costs for regular hearings.
“I think having interpretation is part of the cost of business, especially in a city with over 100 languages,” Councilmember Crystal Murillo in opposition. “I think Aurora Public Schools said 160 languages, and passing that down onto the individual that wouldn’t be shared by everyone, is concerning to me. So I’m just concerned that this is going to just be an impact on our immigrant communities, folks who speak another language.”
Councilmembers Alison Coombs and Ruben Medina also said they were opposed.
“Whether the intent is simply cost recovery, ultimately, the impact becomes discriminatory, and so for that reason, I will not be supporting,” Coombs said.
The measure is scheduled for first reading at the 6:10 p.m. regular session of Aurora City Council.