A summer tradition
Police say dirt bike, scooter complaints rise again
It’s not just Boston where the dirt bike and motor scooter complaints surge as the weather warms up.
A group of police chiefs from communities north of the city say they’re beginning to receive complaints of kids and young adults operating bicycles, motorcycles, dirt bikes and motor scooters dangerously and erratically on public roads.
The police chiefs recently issued an open letter to parents, urging them to speak with their kids about “their behavior and stress the recklessness of their actions and the potential legal — and potentially deadly — consequences.”
“Their behavior is not only illegal, it is reckless and dangerous to themselves and others,” the police chiefs wrote. “Unfortunately, it is only a matter of time before one of these riders is seriously injured or killed — or kills or seriously injures another.”
The police chiefs are from Lynn, Salem, Beverly, Peabody, Danvers, Swampscott and Marblehead. The police departments are working together to educate, engage and stop bad bike riding behavior, they said.
They’re receiving complaints of dirt bike and motor scooter operators in groups, darting in and out of traffic, riding on sidewalks and taunting drivers, pedestrians and police officers.
“Motorcycle and motor scooter operators rev their engines to purposefully create loud noise, which disturbs the peace of our residents particularly the elderly, those recuperating from illness or injury and people who are sensitive to loud noises,” the police chiefs wrote.
“As law enforcement officials, we will continue to do all that we can to prevent this type of behavior and keep our streets and residents safe,” they added. “If caught, the offender will be held accountable for their actions — possible summons or arrest and a potential criminal record and loss of their scooter or motorcycle will be the best outcome compared to the notification that none of us want to make, or for you to receive.”
Taunton Police also reported that they’re receiving an increase in reports of kids operating ATVs and bicycles in erratic manners on public roads.
“Taunton Police would like to remind community members that those operating in any prohibited hazardous operation not consistent with the rules of the road will be cited by the department,” police said, adding, “Penalties for violating these ordinances include a $300 fine, when applicable, with each day constituting a separate offense.”
The police department also can impound any recreational vehicle found in violation of the city’s ordinance, especially if the operator is impeding traffic and threatening public safety.