It’s a shared experience among many SF drivers: You’re sitting in traffic when the engine roar closes in — a mass of dirt bikes and ATVs weaves between lanes with riders popping wheelies as traffic grinds to a halt and horns start honking.
The big picture: These illegal takeovers have become familiar sights across San Francisco, with clusters of riders swarming city streets, blocking intersections and causing widespread traffic delays.
- City leaders are moving to curb the illegal riders with stepped-up police enforcement and tougher penalties.
- While some have praised the crackdown, others say it will do little to deter the subculture.
Last week, we asked you to share your thoughts. Readers weighed in:
🙅♀️ Diane L. says the stunts are dangerous, and she rejects justifications for them, likening the logic to excusing one crime by pointing to a worse one:
- “As for the guy who justifies this by saying he’s doing this instead of gang-banging, well, I guess it’s his choice. … But he can’t blackmail the populace to achieve either of his illegal choices.”
⚠️ Greg Mc. expressed concern about safety, noise and pollution: “I’ve seen this repeatedly over the years. … It really gives the impression of a city out of control, and the police seemed to just stand back and let it happen. I’m glad something is being done.”…