From city to city, police departments are battling street racing and takeovers that create dangerous scenarios for drivers, pedestrians and law enforcement. Last year, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety conducted a national online survey of thousands of American drivers, and nearly three-fourths confirmed witnessing at least one type of street racing within the previous year. Not all street takeovers, however, involve souped-up autos. In September, the Los Angeles Police Department’s Operations Bureau and members of its Street Racing Taskforce busted up a motorized mini-bike takeover of a busy city bridge. It’s illegal for minibikes to be ridden on streets or sidewalks in California and many other states.
A group of more than 70 riders — many of whom were teens — on unauthorized mini-bikes as well as dirt bikes and e-bikes were seen blocking traffic, riding on the wrong side of the street, weaving in and out of cars and performing stunts. The police, with help from California Highway Patrol and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, corralled the crowd, including drivers of the lead and tail vehicles, into a contained area and began issuing citations. The officers also impounded scores of bikes.
