Over the recent weeks, some neighborhoods and members of our community in our city have been subject to terrorizing attacks by our youth. Teens riding electric bikes/motorcycles formed in groups of four to 14, have been riding recklessly on city streets, causing vehicles to avoid them as they “pull wheelies” and drive their bikes in and out of moving traffic. Even more disturbing, some of these riders have targeted our neighbors by pounding with their fists on front doors and garage doors, kicking in security doors and garage door panels, and shouting out threats and sexual epithets.
When confronted by law enforcement, they evade questioning and lead officers in dangerous pursuits. These bikes can reach speeds of 50 – 60 M.P.H. Continued behavior of this dangerous nature may result in injury or death to riders who disregard traffic laws by loss of control, an accident, or a collision with another vehicle or object.
Parents, I ask for your help reigning in these harmful and illegal behaviors. Having raised three children who went through their teen years, causing their Mom and me to fall to our knees in prayer asking for help and guidance, I understand your difficulty. But that doesn’t diminish our responsibility to work to guide our sons and daughters on a path that emphasizes their healthy respect for the Rule of Law and respect and kindness toward others in our community.
As the cost of these electric bikes runs upwards of $2,000 – $5,000, it is unlikely the teens have purchased them on their own. Please speak to your teen about this activity. If your teen is suspected of using their bike in an unlawful manner and/or joining in on the harassing and terrorizing behaviors of which I write, please take the bike away from them and counsel them on correcting their behavior.
You may find resources to help you with these conversations at: www.folsom.ca.us/ebikes-escooters. I pray for an end to this lawlessness and a return to obedience by all to our laws and respect for one another.
Dan Haverty is a retired Folsom Fire Chief . He is the current Interim Folsom City Manager and authored this commentary.
