The good people of Philadelphia find themselves struggling with a decision; construct an ATV park for regulated use, or crack down on enforcement laws. It’s a tough decision to make, but we have other things to consider as well.
#Bikelife is a culture that has continued to gain increasing attention and reputation over the years. In fact, the level of acclaim that the practice has received nationwide has only continued to gain ground since one of the most popular and iconic music artists in the 21st century, Meek Mills became its president.
Essentially, Bike Life and driving ATVs is just a simple way of living life. It provides young people with the means and opportunity to express themselves and truly be who they want to be on the streets of their town.
The thing is, though, driving ATVs has been an illegal practice in Philadelphia for years. Getting caught doing so could lead to not only getting your vehicle impounded, but also getting a very heavy fine. But what exactly is the problem with riding ATVs?
Driving these vehicles is not considered to be very safe. When you factor in the unique way that young people tend to operate them (popping wheelies and other stunts), the risks associated with driving the vehicles increases exponentially. Many people in residential neighborhoods see it as a safety concern and call the police without hesitation to report drivers they spot immediately. This has gone on for so long, and yet it is clear that a newer, more creative solution is necessary.
The best thing to do for Bike Life is to build a park where young people can freely express themselves without persecution. Having an #ATV park solves every problem associated with the practice. Young people can drive in peace while the main roads are left clear for those who don't feel comfortable with the practice.
Obviously Bike Life is not without risks, yet when you weigh the rate of accidents like these against the rates of gun violence, riding an ATV seems no riskier than taking a walk down the street.
With a park for riding, various opportunities will become possible. Young riders have the potential to become influencers or brand faces for different companies, sponsorships become a possibility, and young people are kept too busy to spend time on illegal practices. Most importantly, we could see a reduction in gun violence, as there’s a less violent outlet for these young people to invest in.
The City Council should forgo thoughts of implementing stricter laws and work towards fostering an ideal environment for young people to express themselves in. If it’s a choice between having a park dedicated to ATV driving or more strict enforcement of laws to ban the act, it's clear to see which course of action will yield better results.
