Residents remain on edge as groups of teenagers riding electric bikes continue to terrorize South Bay communities.
Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to reports of unruly teens on bicycles riding recklessly through the streets.
Teenagers usually ride together in large groups along the beaches of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach, near the piers.
Some passersby reported being assaulted or harassed by the bikers as they rode recklessly through town.
“It seems like they’re not going after people who would be able to take them away,” said Redondo Beach resident Michael Marino. “They will pick easy targets.”
Videos of bikers on social media show that many of them often ride at excessive speeds.
Video from Hermosa Beach police showed a motorcyclist rocking back and forth while intentionally making skid marks on a traffic-filled street.
Recently, police confirmed they have written dozens of citations and seized illegally used electric motorcycles and pocket bikes.
Longtime residents said the problem has become more significant in recent months.
“I saw groups of them attacking people, harassing them, shouting insults and even hitting people,” Marino said. “You want to have fun when you’re a kid and all that, but I feel like it’s a lot of freedom and responsibility to have one of these (electric bikes) because it’s basically like a motorcycle. “
Other neighbors noted that there doesn’t seem to be much policing of e-bike users and those breaking traffic laws.
“You’re giving kids the opportunity to hurt themselves,” said Shayne Mclaughlin, a Redondo Beach resident. “There are no real regulations. The police have their hands tied. Either they are committing serious crimes and need to address them, or they are trying to fight these violations with these young people.
“Even today, I encountered a few kids who seemed to have an ‘I don’t care’ attitude,” said Victor Leon, a Redondo Beach resident. “If you are driving a car and you are stopped for speeding or drunk driving, you will be stopped and they will take your vehicle. I think if you do this a few times, then maybe (bikers) will get the message.
Authorities continued to monitor areas for “reckless and illegal behavior,” including patrolling neighborhoods, local schools, parks, the beach and beaches.
As the summer months approach, police said they expect an increase in belligerent activity from these cycling teams.
“We are absolutely listening to community concerns and doing everything we can to proactively enforce reckless driving of electric bicycles and motorcycles throughout the city,” Hermosa Beach Police said.
Manhattan Beach council members have already voted to ban the riding of e-bikes on sidewalks, plazas, greenbelt and grassy areas, instituting a speed limit of 15 miles per hour and fines of up to at $1,000.
Anyone who spots a motorcyclist harassing passers-by or riding on roadways recklessly is asked to report the incident to local law enforcement.
News Source : ktla.com
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