September 14, 2026 – Los Angeles Police Department officials report that the Operations Central Bureau, in conjunction with members of the Street Racing Taskforce, conducted a public safety operation addressing illegal motorized minibike activity on the Sixth Street Bridge.
Officers encountered a group of more than 70 young people — many of them minors — operating unauthorized motorized mini bikes while blocking the bridge, performing donuts and wheelies, riding on the wrong side of the roadway, and weaving in and out of traffic. The group was accompanied by lead and trail vehicles operated by adults, some identified as parents, who were active participants. This dangerous activity places riders, motorists, pedestrians, and other roadway users at risk while disrupting traffic and preventing residents from safely using public streets.
We approached this operation with an abundance of care and caution because these were young people — many who may not fully understand how dangerous these bikes can be when used on active roadways.
Pocket bikes have no required safety equipment, low visibility, and high instability, especially on a major city bridge. One wrong move can lead to catastrophic injury. We intervened to prevent exactly that.
During the operation, officers safely detained several riders and issued citations pursuant to California Vehicle Code Section 21720. Additionally, the involved motorized bikes will be impounded for a minimum of 48 hours.
Since many of the participants were minors, our focus was on education and getting them home safely. Officers contacted parents and guardians, explained the risks, and ensured every young person left the area without injury. The goal was never to criminalize these young people; it was to prevent a tragedy on one of the city’s busiest and most iconic roadways.
This enforcement is about public safety, education, and prevention. We want young people and parents to understand that these bikes cannot lawfully be operated on public roadways and that dangerous riding behavior can have devastating and sometime tragic consequences. We are asking parents and guardians to talk with their children about the risks and the law.
Source & photos: Los Angeles Police Department
