The NYPD has seized this trove of dirt bikes in the last few days, and are warning riders if they see them on Bronx streets, they will be confiscated. This latest crop of bikes was brought to the 52nd Precinct in Norwood, where over the weekend, a parade of cyclists took over Grand Concourse and Mosholu Parkway.
Cops grabbed some of the bikes, though some took off. The Police Department instituted a policy several years ago barring officers from pursuing high speed cyclists, seeing it could have a greater danger on bystanders. The NYPD can make arrests.
Flash mob of riders is uncommon in Norwood, though when it does happen, riders usually dominate the streets. In some cases, many blow through lights or intentionally rev up their motorcycles to draw attention. A bill by Councilman Andrew Cohen, representing Norwood, would increase fines for all-terrain vehicle riders by $500 for the first offense and $1000 for the second offense. The bill is currently being looked at in the New York City Council. Cohen, in a statement, said ATVs are “endangering the lives of New Yorkers.” Statistics in 2014 show there were nine ATV-related deaths in the Bronx.
With warmer weather coming to the Bronx over the next few days, the 52nd Precinct is keeping an ear out on cyclists who rev along Norwood’s spurs.