Speeding dirt bikes, ATVs concern many

Burning rubber marks at the bottom of Prospect Hill just across the bridge from Milton. (Lebanon Voice/Harrison Thorp photo)

WEST LEBANON - In the wake of an ATV accident in Lebanon a week ago that injured a young boy, residents in another part of town are worried another tragedy is just waiting to happen.

"They speed down Prospect Hill Road nearly every day," said one resident who didn't want to be identified, who added several dirt bikes and one ATVer were among the worst offenders.

John Trafton of Champion Street said he's almost run into them as they dart out of nowhere and cross into his line of traffic.

Trafton also said these operators, mostly young boys, often burn rubber along the lower end of Prospect Hill road.

"They're a nuisance," he said recently. "We hear the squealing of tires all the time."

Trafton said he doesn't think it's good for town property values for visitors to see all the rubber marks all over Prospect Hill road and surrounding the railroad lights stanchion at the bottom of Prospect Hill.

Another neighborhood resident estimated the speeds these dirt bikes and ATVers are traveling at between 50 and 60 mph.

Maine State Police Sgt. Jonathan Shapiro, who commands troopers in charge of covering Lebanon, said illegal off-road vehicles traveling on public roadways is an ongoing problem, but it's hard to catch perpetrators because they can travel up to 500 yards between trailheads legally.

"This type of thing is a constant problem," Shapiro said on Thursday.

The young man hurt last Friday severely injured his leg while riding on Indian Lake Drive. He was Medflighted to Maine Medical Center in Portland. No word on his condition has been released.

Meanwhile, Trafton, a former Wells selectman, is hoping police can corral the youngsters and convince them to slow down before someone gets hurt.

"This is hurting the whole town," he said.