San Francisco officials are taking steps to prevent dirt bikers from driving through the city’s streets at high speeds and performing stunt driving maneuvers.
Interim Police Chief Paul Yep announced Monday at a press conference that a dirt bike operation over the weekend led to four arrests and the possession of six dirt bikes and an ATV vehicle. Four of the six dirt bikes were reported stolen in the state, including from Modesto, Yuba City, Grass Valley, and Atascadero.
Yep said that pursuing dirt bikers is challenging, especially if the bikers are driving recklessly on city streets or in pedestrian areas. “Thankfully, we have technology on our side,” he added.
The interim chief highlighted the city’s plainclothes team and the Police Department’s Real-Time Investigative Center, which reviews footage from drones, license plate readers, and surveillance cameras, to assist officers on the ground in making arrests.
The Police Department did not provide the names of the suspects at the press conference.
Mayor Daniel Lurie said at the press conference that the dirt bikers have “terrorized” communities in the city for far too long.
“For years, residents felt like the city couldn’t or wouldn’t do anything to stop dirt bikes from over our streets — well, we’re doing something about it,” the mayor said.
District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said at the press conference that her office is reviewing the arrests made in the operation and plans to announce charges on Tuesday.
District 3 Supervisor Danny Sauter, who represents Chinatown and the Fisherman’s Wharf area, said residents continue to call him about close calls with dirt bikers, including residents who are seniors.
“With this enforcement, we are making clear that San Francisco’s streets, sidewalks, and parks are not a playground to practice new tricks or get social media views, Sauter said. “There are consequences to this dangerous stunt driving that puts everyone at risk.”
Sauter added that he plans to introduce legislation next week at the Board of Supervisors meeting to propose increasing the fines for misdemeanor convictions for sideshow offenses.