MENASHA, Wis. (WBAY) – If you ride a gas-powered bicycle, traffic laws still apply to you. Menasha police have an important message to share so you don’t end up going to jail.

The police would like to remind you that you must have a valid driving license when driving a petrol-powered motorized bicycle.

You are also not allowed to ride while drunk.

This came after Menasha Police investigated a complaint about a suspicious person near Oneida St. and Plank Rd. on Monday afternoon.

Police encountered a man on a motorcycle. They say he tried to escape by riding his bike down a forest path and into a residential area.

Officers found him off his bike behind some houses and took him into custody. They investigated him for drunk driving, resisting an officer and driving without a license.

Police said there was an arson warrant out for his arrest in California. They did not release his name publicly.

Police consider motorized bikes to be vehicles. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation says they are small but can be powerful. They are not designed to be ridden on roads and could pose a danger to the rider and others.

The DMV does not regulate licensing or registration for these vehicles.

Be sure to check the regulations in your area if you decide to drive one.

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