By Joy Bergmann
Like the return of migratory birds, spring brings forth flocks of illegal ATVs and dirt bikes to Upper West Side streets – including inside Central Park – engines gunning, wheelies popping and speeds racing beyond the 25 mph limit.
Many residents wonder: Why do police allow such risky riding behavior to persist?
At local precinct meetings last year, NYPD explained that pursuits to stop these riders would likely endanger the public more than the daredevil exploits. Rather than court confrontations, officials said they would seek ways to safely track the vehicles to where they were stored, then confiscate and destroy them.
However, during his mayoral campaign, candidate Eric Adams indicated he would take a more vigorous approach. He called for a crackdown, citing the peril and the symbolic power of such displays.
These vehicles race through traffic, drive down bike lanes and sidewalks, & endanger our communities.
This is more than just a quality-of-life issue — it's a sign that our city is becoming less safe. We need to crack down on illegal ATV & dirtbike use.https://t.co/LUSNgZW3We
— Eric Adams (@ericadamsfornyc) May 27, 2021
So, have changes been implemented under now-Mayor Adams?
WSR asked Mayor Adams’ office multiple questions about illegal vehicle enforcement efforts, including what, if anything, he has asked the NYPD to do differently.
His spokesperson referred us to the NYPD’s Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Public Information (DCPI).
NYPD’s answers to WSR’s questions did not seem to indicate any major changes to their enforcement strategy.
**
The following email Q&A with an NYPD spokesperson has been edited for clarity and length; we’ve also added contextual information.
WSR: Does NYPD policy continue to be “no pursuit” of these riders while they are riding?
NYPD: We are guided by the patrol guide’s policy regarding vehicle pursuits. Department policy requires that a vehicle pursuit be terminated whenever the risks to uniformed members of the service and the public outweigh the danger to the community if the suspect is not immediately apprehended.
WSR: Is the continued aim of the NYPD to seize these vehicles where they are stored?
NYPD: Yes, this is a tactic that is employed when possible.
WSR: How many illegal ATVs and motorbikes were seized and destroyed by the NYPD in 2021?
NYPD: This data is not immediately available.
[The City reported officials were aiming to confiscate and crush an estimated 2,500 vehicles in 2021. The article also noted at least eight deaths last year involved the vehicles.]
WSR: What does the NYPD say to residents who feel these riders endanger pedestrians, bicyclists and legal motorists by not obeying traffic signals and/or speed limits?
NYPD: We absolutely understand this concern and take enforcement action against drivers/riders that commit violations of the Vehicle Traffic Law. Just as a point of reference, historically, over 90% of pedestrian injuries are caused by cars, trucks and SUVs. But we absolutely seek to eliminate the 10% that occur from two-wheeled devices. These “riders” also endanger themselves and we seek to educate and enforce against this destructive behavior.
[As WSR has reported, UWS precincts have been issuing far fewer moving violation summonses compared to pre-pandemic periods. Our most recent analysis showed traffic tickets — issued to all types of vehicles — are down more than 50%.]
WSR: If residents want to report locations of illegal vehicles, what should they do?
NYPD: Individuals are still urged to call 911, 311, CrimeStoppers or their local precincts to report information as appropriate. All calls are strictly confidential.
WSR: Anything further you’d like to add about enforcement on this front?
NYPD: Yes, the NYPD uses video evidence, including body cam footage, to identify persons and vehicles that are observed on these devices and flee the scene without apprehension.
**
Should those responses be less than satisfying, Community Council meetings offer residents an opportunity to raise concerns directly with commanding officers:
20th Precinct [59th Street – 86th Street] will meet this Thursday, March 24th, at 7:00 p.m. at the station, 120 W. 82nd Street.
24th Precinct [86th Street – 110th Street] meets Wednesday, April 20th, at 7:00 p.m. at Bloomingdale Library, 150 W. 100th Street.
Central Park Precinct next meets on Wednesday, May 11th, at 7:00 p.m. at the station located midway across the park’s 86th Street Transverse.
The NYPD policy seems to be to hover low at night with helicopters and do next to nothing. Well, except collect nighttime flight pay.
“What’s NYPD’s Strategy?” — To do nothing. For years. They will continue this policy.
I’m glad to see this update posted here. Between the ATVs and helicopters the noise was non-stop and deafening this weekend. I couldn’t believe it was happening again. 🙁
For starters, we need a year round effort to pull these vehicles off the street by booting, towing, or simply throwing them into the back of a pickup truck where ever they’re seen on the street without a required license plate.
I’m confused which 2-wheelers with motors are illegal and which can be operated without plates. If anyone knows, please share that info.
You can’t operate any petrol powered motorcycles without plates + liability on streets, roads, highways, etc in NY State.
However, of course, people do in rural areas, especially on isolated dirt roads.
I’d guess that all 2-cycle engined motorcycles (so real dirt bikes, without crankcases, that burn the engine lubricating oil, which is mixed with the gasoline, like a gas chainsaw) are illegal for street use.
At the beginning of 2019, the state legalized speed limited e-cycles and e-scooters for street use without liability insurance. The drivers of those regularly don’t obey traffic laws, and some times they drive the machines in packs on the West Side. The driver of one killed someone (who happened to be a well known actress) on Amsterdam in June of last year.
The Lisa Baines death involved the driver of an electric moped who was driving without benefit of licensure for the moped. He also did a hit-and-run. It was not a device that was legalized for such operation by the e-bike and stand-up e-scooter law in 2020. Get your facts right, please.
My apologies – I thought you were responding to my comment.
I am in as in favor of severe enforcement as anyone else. But what is the value in pointing out that a famous actress was killed? Is that supposed to get people even more angry?
The point of highlight Ms Baines’s death is 3 fold: Her killing happened in my neighborhood, I see delivery guys. on throttle e-bikes blowing those 63rd-64th-65th Amsterdam reds at 20MPH+ regularly, and sadly the way the world works means that the death of a celebrity attracts a more press than if a normal pedestrian had been killed by someone driving a now legal (as long as it’s speed limited) e-scooter.
There are other factors too: The guy who killed her left the scene immediately, she didn’t die for 10 days, but never regained consciousness. She lived in LA, but she was stopping by Juilliard, where she had studied.
What a joke.
I don’t understand why the NYPD destroys the machines rather than bulk sell them to buyers overseas. Take the bikes off our streets and make a few dollars for the City as well.
I say crush ’em!
Why make them someone else’s problem?
Why cant the NYPD just box them in? Set 4 patrol cars one either side of two adjacent intersections. When they pass the first intersection, the two patrol cars ahead pull in bumper to bunper, blocking forward progression. Then the two at the earlier Iintersection do the same blocking then from behind. Then check registrations and licenses. Anyone without a license gets penalized for it. Anyone without a registration gets their vehicle confiscated and crushed. End of story.
Curious how you see this going down? You make it seem pretty easy, but without shutting down several city blocks – including sidewalks, driveways, etc, it seems to me that it would be a nightmare scenario with the likelihood of many injuries. It’s not like they’re going to just pull over. It will become a chase scene. I’m not rooting for these guys whatsoever, but I don’t think it’s quite as simple as some claim.
I can tell you where these thugs are, regularly. Southbound on Broadway between 86st and Lincoln Center. Anytime after 5pm. Box them in. Arrest them. This is absurd.
Why? Because that would require common sense, which appears to be in short supply with our government officials.
I’ve thought of this, too. The bikes cruise at about the same time and same place every day, so lets give the police those times and places.
THANK YOU! I have thought about this very same tactic SO many times!
You would think that what is probably the largest police force in the world would be able to handle such a problem like that. I’m tired of hearing excuses from police brass about not being able to employ certain tactics.
Law enforcement needs to go to the source. There are probably only a few places in the city that sell and customize these things. Plant a task force outside and inspect each vehicle as it comes and goes. Most are illegal and should be seized on the spot.
We need a far more aggressive approach to these thugs. Ticketing and bike-confiscations are not cutting it.
These criminals don’t pay tickets, and they just steal other dirt bikes if the need a new one.
These goons need to be stopped in the act, and thrown in jail for years.
Instead of complaining about the NYPD, we should encourage them to be more aggressive.
The NYPD shows restraint because they know New Yorkers – especially Upper West Siders – take any opportunity they get to criticize law enforcement.
Agreed citizen! Everyone criticizes the police – until they need them.
Armchair radicals who could never have the courage to be a police officer.
I’m sorry, if citizens holding the police accountable for crimes like murdering Eric Garner results in the cops throwing a temper tantrum and enacting a slowdown, how can anyone feel safe around them? Serious question.
The problem is in your question. We shouldn’t hold police (writ large) accountable for a murder. We should build systems to reduce those crimes, certainly, but for 2 years, you are correct: the police feel accountable for those murders.
They can’t win. Arresting people makes them racist. arresting fewer people makes them part of a ‘slow down’.
You got the democracy you deserve.
Claire,
The police aren’t throwing a temper tantrum. It’s that their hands are tied. As soon as they start showing aggression towards these dirt biker thugs, the public will scream racism.
The message from the community needs to be “NYPD, do what you need to do to catch these dirtbikers. We have your back”
The dirtbikers beat up an innocent driver just a few days ago. Why?
Because the dirtbikers blew a red light and were hit by the driver. So they beat up the driver.
This is anarchy.
Yes, this. This is not just a noise issue or a victimless crime.
Noise pollution is a serious issue. It is invidious, like all pollution. It is not a victimless crime. Lots of people are victims and the damage is cumulative over time,
I said it the other day and I’ll say it again…
The NYPD has a larger budget than the entire military budget of Ukraine.
Think about that for a minute.
The Ukrainians are holding off an invasion by the military of a global superpower and the NYPD can’t even deal with some kids riding around on ATV’s and motorbikes or handle some shoplifters.
They should really be embarrassed at their performance over the past few years.
Their performance has been based on the ruling by the NYC City Council NOT to enforce any quality of life crimes since about 2012; plus bail reform means they arrest people and the next day the justice system releases the person back onto the street. The problems have absolutely NOTHING to do with the Police Department, and everything to do with the citizens who have NO idea what or who they vote for, and have NO idea who or what is responsible for their quality of life diminishment, but who sit in their chairs moaning and groaning about “the police.” The people who should be embarrassed are those who never open a newspaper, never listen to the news, have no idea what is going on, who never go to a community meeting, and who have no clue who or what to blame. That’s the problem.
It’s not just the NYPD. The police departments of other major cities; San Fransisco, Chicago, Portland, Seattle, Minneapolis, these have become crime ridden “hands off” policing zones. It’s pathetic, and harmful in economic and mortality terms. The NYC I knew (pre-DeBlasio), is like a dream. I miss it.
Sorry, pointless comparison.
Please include the 26 Precinct in your articles. I know technically we’re in Morningside Heights but really we’re still part of the West Side (and read the WSR!). Thanks.
Here’s a somewhat different perspective on the dirt bike problem “What Brooklyn Dirt Bike Teens Have in Common With My Midwestern Stepdad” – https://theap.substack.com/p/what-brooklyn-dirt-bike-teens-have
According to this article “Our most recent analysis showed traffic tickets — issued to all types of vehicles — are down more than 50%.”
So does this mean that the police are doing 50% less work since the problem is rampant.
Help me understand the business side of what we see.
I used to think one company had a fleet of these vehicles that they rented out. But that would require a certain amount of legitimacy, which isn’t what we are seeing.
So where do all these young men get the $$ to own these things, gas ’em up, and park them? Legitimate jobs? Hard earned money?
Some folks I have asked about this have suggested that these guys are literally street gangs on wheels.
Which is it?
“Victimless crimes” don’t get much attention from the NYPD these days because they know their efforts won’t result in any imprisonment for the offenders. We need a real DA ASAP!
worst thing the city ever did to add to the dirt bike, ATV mess was legalize electric motorcycles (many of which appear to have the speed limiter removed) – people riding anywhere and everywhere – sidewalks, bike lanes, road – with passengers hanging off the back. Like the wild west on UWS
These things are not any more legal than they used to be. I agree that the things are running rampant in ways that they were not 4-5 years ago.
Increased demand for delivery due to the pandemic, and the price of the technology coming down as it improves seem to be the main factors.
The delivery drivers on scooters are categorically different than the dirt bikers.
The delivery drivers are hard working people, simply meeting peoples’ demand for food.
The dirt bikers exist solely to run red lights and display toxic masculinity.
They are the same in that neither of them care about the safety of others.
It’s fascinating. People want law and order? If the cops arrest non white ATV riders you’d call them racist. Criminal justice reform and ending mass incarceration means arresting fewer people. What should the cops do? No matter what they do or don’t do they are the bad guys. Please make up your minds. Do you want an active NYPD or not?
Yesterday 3/21/2022, I first heard then saw about 5 motor scooters going faster than the auto traffic that were once allowed on Central Park Drive. They are dangerous for other users of the park. The noise (louder than the choppers) and dangers are not the purpose of the park. How about rules, enforcement including cameras? BTW, I have noticed more NYPD in the transit system in response to the crime increase. Today I saw NYPD at the exit of a store, which I assume is in response to shoplifting. Thank You to all involved !!
I’ve suggested this before, there’s Hart Island, Riverside, and what the heck, have a ferry go to the abandoned North or South Brother Island whose inhabitants won’t mind..
I think you’re missing the point. These guys are not riding for the fun of the ride. They are doing it to show off and, perhaps, scare people. For that you need busy streets.
30 year UWSer now living elsewhere here. Yesterday saw a gaggle of these yahoos in my new city doing the same thing. We waited through a couple of lights to give them space and 10 minutes later we got to an intersection with three bikes down on the pavement. Not sure how bad the injuries were but given the length of time the cops spent at the scene I’m guessing it wasn’t great for the riders.
Instead of holding police accountable for their slowdown you throw more money and power behind them.
All NYPD has to do is deploy a handful of officers on the main streets and intersections at key times and block the riders with their vehicles or bodies/body cams. When the riders fail to stop or comply, or resist arrest, you can charge them with more violations. Then you can get a search warrant for their phones and social media accounts and bust the entire group. I’ve stopped an entire group of dirt bikes by simply exercising my right to cross the street when I have the signal. It simply doesn’t make sense that NYPD policy is torun towards gunfire, but away from a 13 year old on a toy.
Block them with their bodies? What kind of logic is that?
I don’t understand how it is legal to confiscate bikes and ATVs found sitting in a warehouse or garage. It is not to my knowledge illegal to HAVE them (unless prohibited by the storage facility). It is illegal to RIDE them on city streets. So the riding is what needs to be stopped.
If NYPD confiscates anything that MIGHT be used in an illegal way, that is a slippery slope. Are they coming next for the knives in our kitchen drawers? For our retractable dog leashes that can extend past 6 feet?
They already came for your knives. If your caught with a knife over 4″ you’d better be on your way to a restaurant job or have a receipt from Zabars upstairs. 10,000 people a year are busted for illegal knives and the old DA raided such denizens of crime as Home Depot, Paragon Sports and Tent and Trails in an effort to stamp out their plan to supply citizens with pocket knives.
what a joke
We are bombarded with power bikes, mopeds, scooters, not honoring traffic lights, going in the wrong direction, and even driving on sidewalks.
Do you see any police at all on the streets, of course not-just speed and red light cameras.
So who can or will possibly find these uninsured non registewred vehicles and confisccate them?
It must be the retailer that is required to sell only if the powewr bike,cycle/moped etc is registered and covered by insurance.
At a 26th precinct community council meeting last week, it was the same story. Let the police know where the bikes are stored and the bikes will be collected.
Why not give them a police escort and them to the precinct? It would probably work once or twice.
Joy, I have proposed a 3-pronged plan ( enforcement, registration, and licensing) for consideration to the NYPD and our local politicians to manage the risks and threats posed by these types of vehicles, as well as e-bikes and scooters. So far, I have received no response.
Police captains are the public relations people for the local precincts. They serve as a buffer; they are there to protect the force and assuage the public. If you want to know what’s really going on, speak to the sergeants – who will never talk.
This indifferent occupying army – mostly from Nassau and Suffolk County – have been doing little for the past two years. They feel unsupported. They have a few good reasons for this; that is true. But they collect their checks and must live with the stink of their dishonor.
Recently there are traffic cops in intersections, such as 96th and Broadway. They wave cars through red lights when pedestrians are in the crosswalk. I’m concerned that someone may get killed.
The strategy seems to be to make the UWS as unlivable as possible hoping that developers can scoop up more “opportunities” at the expense of residents in all things.
Why not have undercover police follow these dudes home and arrest them there?
Thank you , WSR for asking good questions. The answers sound evasive however. Woe to the elderly, little children and injured people, who can’t easily jump out of the way when machines come barreling toward them- often going the wrong way. There will be more injuries and death. Thia could easily be prevented. Where there is a will there is a way. But there is not.
I’m here in Brooklyn and the problem is the same. I’m not getting hit by ebikes on the sidewalks or crossing because I look out and step aside Not because these riders are less dangerous than cars. This makes walking and quality of life in the city less and less appealing to me.
If you don’t even put on the sirens and TRY to chase these people down–why should they stop? The NYPD has become a joke. No wonder people are starting to call them the Losers in Blue!
I guess Speed Bumps are only an option in wealthy Hudson Heights?
Where is “Hudson Heights?”
I guess Speed Bumps are only an option in wealthy Hudson Heights?
NYPD needs to to step up and develop better strategies to deal with the menace of unregistered and uninsured dirt bikes on our streets. Other police agencies around the country have effective enforcement protocols. We can do it here in NYC.