Nearly three dozen dirt bikes and ATVs were confiscated throughout Philadelphia Sunday. The 34 vehicles were seized as part of a citywide crackdown, according to police.
Last week, dirt bike and ATV riders traveled through Philly in honor of Kyrell Tyler, a popular dirt bike rider who was shot and killed earlier in the month.
Hundreds of riders weaved in and out of traffic while revving their engines and popping wheelies. Traffic on Broad Street was backed up due to the caravan.
"It wasn't like we were trying to disrupt traffic or anything like that," said Banshee Pooch, a friend of Tyler's. "We were just trying to show some love to someone we lost. That's all."
Both dirt bikes and ATVs are illegal on city streets. For years, police have tried to crack down on city dirt bike riders but are not allowed to pursue them due to a department policy which makes it illegal to chase a vehicle that's only committing a moving violation. Many drivers told NBC10 they believe the riders are a dangerous nuisance.
"They cut in and out of lanes," said Michelle Bridges. "I don't think it's safe. You shouldn't be riding on the streets. It puts other people at danger and at risk."
While police say last Tuesday’s incident wasn’t the reason for Sunday’s sting, they told NBC10 it highlighted the dangers of those vehicles being in the streets.
“They’re very reckless,” said Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Dennis Wilson. “They’re riding on sidewalks. They’re cutting vehicles. It’s definitely a public safety hazard and that’s one of the reasons we can’t chase them. We don’t know what they’re going to do. If we do attempt to chase them they’re going to take off. They don’t have lights on a lot of the vehicles.”
Along with the confiscated vehicles, police also arrested two people who were allegedly riding stolen dirt bikes.
