Police crackdown on illegal ATVs, dirt bikes in Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A city impound garage filled up with dirt bikes and ATVs, all confiscated over the weekend in Philadelphia.
This is the latest crackdown on these vehicles, which are illegal to operate in the city.
"One of the operators of one of these dirt bikes had a gun on him and he was arrested for that. Two of the dirt bikes were stolen and we were able to arrest the operators of those dirt bikes," said Chief Inspector Dennis Wilson.
The crackdown comes in the wake of a dangerous ride of 100 men on dirt bikes and ATVs through some of the city's busiest streets. It was meant to be a vigil in memory of a slain fellow biker.
"It was wild, it was dangerous though, it was dangerous," said Gene Morris.
They drove from Broad Street in South Philadelphia all the way to North Philadelphia.
At a whim, they turned down one street and then another, cutting off a gasoline tanker and weaving through traffic at an intersection.
There were multiple times where they cut off school buses and drove around on both sides of them.
"It came off as a thuggish type of atmosphere, they run through red lights - to me it's dangerous," said Fred Burton.
There was high speed racing going the wrong way into oncoming traffic. They were also driving on sidewalks and running red lights.
"They're very reckless, they're riding on sidewalks, they're cutting vehicles off, it's definitely a public safety hazard," said Chief Inspector Wilson.
Dirt bikes are not cheap. They run about $5,500 each while ATVs cost between $4,000-$5,000.
Police say if they catch you with one, you can kiss them goodbye.
"They don't get them back. They're seized under the ordinance and they don't get these bikes back," said Chief Inspector Wilson.
Last year, police say they confiscated over 300 dirt bikes and ATVs. So far this year, they've taken more than 100 off the streets.
In total police say they have more than 1,000 of the vehicles waiting to be disposed of.
