Dirt Bike Riders Interrupt DC Mayor at Police Station

As D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser spoke in front of a police station Sunday, dirt bike and ATV riders revved their engines and popped wheelies in front of her.

Bowser was forced to stop speaking amid the noise.

After the interruption, there is renewed pressure on police and city officials to crack down on people who illegally ride the vehicles on city streets.

"These are dangerous vehicles. They're being used dangerously in our neighborhoods," Ward 6 Councilman Charles Allen said. He stood behind Bowser at the press conference Sunday night at the First District station on M Street SW.

A group of 75 dirt bike and ATV riders were making their way around the District on Sunday, Allen said.

Interim Police Chief Peter Newsham said police have destroyed 100 ATVs since January and made 36 arrests.

It is police policy to not chase the vehicles.

"We actually end up putting more people at risk, creating more injuries, when we do it that way," Allen said.

As leaders weigh how to respond, police are on the lookout for riders.

Contact Us