SF Police Seize Dirt Bikes, Cite or Arrest Four

San Francisco police carried out a weekend enforcement operation using drones, automated license-plate readers, surveillance cameras and physical surveillance that resulted in four arrests or citations and the seizure of six dirt bikes — four reported stolen — and an ATV amid a years-long rise in illegal dirt-bike and ATV riding that has endangered pedestrians and snarled traffic. Two people have been formally charged by the district attorney with reckless driving and participating in a speed contest, and other suspects face counts including possession of stolen motorcycles and driving without licenses or registration. Interim SFPD Chief Paul Yep and Mayor Daniel Lurie hailed the operation and vowed continued action, and Supervisor Danny Sauter plans legislation to create tougher penalties and new enforcement tools. Critics and some community members warned the small number of arrests is unlikely to curb a recurring subculture that assembles in large swarms and evades enforcement. Some riders and advocates countered that stunt riding can be a community and skill-building activity. Law enforcement elsewhere has also stepped up seizures, arrests and public-tip campaigns targeting illegal ATVs, dirt bikes, e-bikes and scooters.