A danger for riders and motorists
The City of Lancaster and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) are cracking down on the widespread and illegal use of mini motorcycles, including pocket bikes, mini bikes, and pit bikes, on roadways and highways within its jurisdiction.
This initiative aims to educate the community on laws regarding mini motorcycles, promote safety, and address the growing nuisance faced by residents and local businesses.
"The City of Lancaster is committed to creating a safe and harmonious environment for our residents, businesses, and visitors. The crackdown on the illegal use of mini motorcycles on roadways is a critical step in achieving this goal,” stated Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris. “We are proud to partner with the LASD in Lancaster to help address this ongoing issue. We urge all individuals to comply with the law and prioritize the safety and well-being of everyone in our City."
Mini motorcycles are compact motorcycles that are typically smaller than traditional motorcycles and designed for off-road use only. Unfortunately, many individuals have been illegally operating these vehicles on public roads and highways, posing significant risks to themselves, motorists, and pedestrians.
The City of Lancaster would like to remind all residents and visitors that operating mini motorcycles on public roadways is strictly prohibited under California state law. The California Vehicle Code (CVC) section 21720 clearly defines these vehicles as off-road motorcycles and restricts their use to private property, designated off-road areas, or racetracks. Operating mini motorcycles on public roads violates traffic laws and can result in citations, fines, and even impoundment of the vehicle. Parents are also responsible for paying the fines their minor children incur.
The enforcement of laws against the illegal use of mini motorcycles is of paramount importance due to the safety hazards they pose. These vehicles are not equipped with the necessary safety features such as lights, turn signals, mirrors, and proper tires, making them highly susceptible to accidents and collisions.
The small size and limited visibility make it difficult for other motorists to anticipate their movements, further increasing the likelihood of accidents. Even more dangerous is the fact that most riders are minors and do not wear appropriate safety gear, which places them in great danger of serious injury.
Furthermore, the unauthorized use of mini motorcycles has become a significant nuisance to both neighboring residents and local businesses. The incessant noise and disturbances caused by these vehicles disrupt the peace and tranquility of our communities. Additionally, reckless riding and disregard for traffic laws create an atmosphere of chaos and endanger the safety of pedestrians and other road users.
The City of Lancaster, in collaboration with LASD, will be intensifying efforts to combat the illegal use of mini motorcycles. Enhanced enforcement measures, including increased patrols, targeted operations, and public awareness campaigns, will be employed to ensure compliance with traffic laws and to protect the well-being of our community.
“As part of our Crime Prevention Strategy, the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station is embracing our partnership with the City of Lancaster Public Safety Department. We will be conducting directed patrols in furtherance of the mission to control the illegal use of mini motorcycles. We encourage the participation of the community in this effort,” said Captain Lecrivain of LASD’s Lancaster Station. “Reports of illegal mini motorcycles can be made to the non-emergency phone line at the station or at LACrimestoppers.org. Please join us in making our community a safer place for all.”
The City of Lancaster and the LASD encourage residents to report any instances of illegal mini motorcycle use to the local law enforcement agencies. By working together, we can create safer streets and promote a higher quality of life for all.
