If you’ve noticed bicycles and motorbikes driving you crazy lately, you’re not alone.
Across the city, a nuisance has reappeared: unregistered, non street-legal motor bikes. They don’t obey traffic laws, they run red lights, and they weave through traffic.
A joint letter from the chiefs of police of Lynn, Marblehead, Peabody, Swampscott, Salem, Beverly, and Danvers let residents know that their police departments have acknowledged the issue and are looking for solutions.
The letter read, “As in years past, with the return of warmer weather, our police departments are beginning to receive complaints of juveniles and young adults operating bicycles, motorcycles, dirt bikes, and motor scooters erratically on the streets of our communities.”
It continued, “These individuals ride in both large and small groups, dart in and out of traffic, ride on sidewalks and taunt drivers, pedestrians and police officers. Motorcycle and motor scooter operators rev their engines to purposefully create loud noise, which disturbs the pead of our residents particularly the elderly, [and] those recuperating from illness or injury.”
Besides being annoying, these actions pose a serious safety risk. Drivers are forced to contend with these riders while driving around, heightening the risk for accidents.
“Their behavior is not only illegal, it is reckless and dangerous to themselves and others,” the chiefs of police explained. “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 Massachusetts Department of Health states that children ages 8-15 account for more than 50 percent of all non-fatal bike accidents in the state. Nearly 6,000 children are hospitalized or treated in the emergency room for bicycle related injury each year.
The letter continues by stating that law enforcement is committed to stopping this behavior and that those caught will be held accountable. They also implored their communities to help them in their mission.
“We ask you, the parents of these juveniles and young adults, to speak to them about their behavior and stress the recklessness of their actions and the potential legal — and potentially deadly — consequences.”
Emma Fringuelli can be reached at [email protected].
