Neighbors in northwest Cape Coral seeking a solution to reckless ATV riders

ATV riders are alarming neighbors in Cape Coral. They say riders drive recklessly, and they worry about safety in their neighborhood. This is happening in northwest Cape Coral near Yucca Pens Preserve.

Neighbors in the area want to set up a place for these riders to do what they want with their ATVs, so they are not racing down streets.

This is nothing new in this part of Cape Coral. Pictures show what was left behind after an ATV stormed through one person’s lawn. Neighbors are worried, especially for the safety of the kids. “We have to tell our grandkids not to even come close to the street. What’s the sense of that?” said Udo Upeslacis.

Upeslacis has lived on northwest 29th Terrace for 20 years. He’s tired of ATVs roaring down the street. Especially during the weekends. “I’ve heard them out here three, four o’clock in the morning just racing up and down the street too,” said Upeslacis.

Neighbors brought up those concerns to the city council during Wednesday’s meeting, prompting Cape Coral Police Chief Anthony Sizemore to address this ongoing problem in the northwest Cape. “I’ve been a resident here dangerously close to 50 years now and it’s been prevalent throughout that entire time,” said Sizemore.

Chief Sizemore said the most prominent area is the Yucca Pens Preserve, and it’s clear by the signs posted in the area that ATV riders are not allowed inside.”When we shut down an access point, another one pops up,” said Sizemore.

Upeslacis wants there to be an established place for people to ride ATVs so they can get off the streets. “These are people who’ve got four-wheelers who want to go out and have fun with them. And there really is no place to do it,” said Upeslacis.

Chief Sizemore told City Council that community policing officers are working to find a solution. He says the preserve is city, county, and state land, so they are working with multiple agencies to patrol it.