Massachusetts Police address complaints of motorcycle, dirt bike, scooter operators driving dangerously

“An Open Letter to Parents:

From the Chiefs of Police in Beverly, Danvers, Lynn, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem, and Swampscott about dangerous and erratic operation of bicycles, motorcycles and motor scooters:

According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, “School-aged children, 5-18, account for more than 50% of all nonfatal bicycle injuries in Massachusetts.

Each year, approximately 5,566 school aged children, are hospitalized or treated in emergency rooms for bicycle injuries.” Most bike-related deaths are associated with a head injury. Our departments will be working together to educate, engage and stop bad bike riding behavior. This will also include motorized scooters, dirt bikes and mini-motorcycles.

As in years past, with the return of the 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.

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 peace of our residents particularly the elderly, those recuperating from illness or injury and people who are sensitive to loud noises.

Their behavior is not only illegal, it is reckless and dangerous to themselves and others. Unfortunately, it is only a matter of time before one of these riders is seriously injured or killed – or kills or seriously injures another.

As law enforcement officials, we will continue to do all that we can to prevent this type of behavior and keep our streets and residents safe. If caught, the offender will be held accountable for their actions – possible summons or arrest and a potential criminal record & loss of their scooter or motorcycle will be the best outcome compared to the notification that none of us want to make, or for you to receive.

Law enforcement cannot address this problem on our own – we need your help. 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.” -Danvers Police Department.