PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — It's a familiar sight in many Philadelphia neighborhoods: Dozens of ATVs and dirt bikes on city streets With their drivers speeding, wheelies and swerving in and out of traffic.
“Seeing people doing wheelies around the square, it's really crazy,” Philadelphia resident Joel Platt said.
Platt describes the antics as dangerous. He said he sees them often because he and his wife live near City Hall, where commuters often pass.
Related: Residents of two Philadelphia neighborhoods “can't get away” from the noise of quad bikes and dirt bikes at all hours of the day
“There's noise at two or three in the morning, and it's very stupid for a city to allow that to happen,” he said.
the The Philadelphia Police Department recently announced They are increasing the workforce on weekends in part to eliminate illegal use of ATVs and dirt bikes on city streets.
Philadelphia police said Sunday that 18 ATVs and dirt bikes were confiscated, one person was arrested for assault and nearly 20 traffic and parking tickets were issued in connection with illegal riding.
A CBS News Philadelphia photographer was rolling as police detained at least four on Sunday. Police said that the majority of the confiscated bikes were destroyed.
This campaign comes under the direction of the city's mayor, Cheryl Parker, who said she is making crimes that affect quality of life a top priority. Many people said the problem needs to be addressed, but others don't see it as a big deal.
“When they just swerve, it's very dangerous. It scares drivers because you don't know how to get out of their way, mind your own business and hope they don't hit you,” Daria Allen said. “It's very annoying.”
“I don't think it's too bad,” Jimmy Bilott said. “I can see other people thinking it's annoying. Personally, I'd love to have a quad bike one of these days, but I wouldn't ride it in the city.”
Related: Bensalem Police have a zero-tolerance stance on illegal ATVs and dirt bikes
“For me, it doesn't affect me personally,” said Alec Bisfinger, a former student at Temple University.
But for Platt, it's a problem that literally keeps him up at night. He hopes the city will do more to address what he believes is a problem.
“For a city that relies on tourism, it's absolutely crazy to allow this to happen,” Platt said.
For the city, addressing this issue is not simple because police department policy does not allow officers to chase passengers. But by stepping up enforcement, police hope to set the tone that they won't let her fly anymore.
