STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.— Mayor Eric Adams made a strong statement regarding illegal dirt bikes in New York City during a press conference at the Department of Sanitation site near Fresh Kills Park. Joined by Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella and NYPD Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch, Adams announced the demolition of over 200 unregistered motorbikes seized by police.
“Today we send these illegal vehicles to their final destination: the scrap heap,” stated Adams. He emphasized the city’s commitment to public safety by asserting, “When it comes to public safety, we’re crushing it, and we’re going to crush these vehicles.”
The mayor’s announcement highlighted not only the destruction of the bikes but also the city’s broader efforts to combat crime linked to these illegal vehicles. Adams pointed out that illegal mopeds and ATVs have been involved in various criminal activities, including snatch-and-grab robberies, shootings, and vehicle thefts.
The NYPD has made significant progress under Adams’s administration, removing more than 62,000 illegal scooters, motorbikes, and ATVs, as well as over 38,000 ghost cars. This initiative has contributed to an impressive 86% decrease in grand larceny involving mopeds and a 57% decrease in overall mopeds-related crimes since 2024, according to city officials. Furthermore, the rate of murders and shootings in the city has reached historic lows.
Commissioner Tisch reinforced the need for strict law enforcement against illegal vehicles, stating, “Our officers across every borough are using precision enforcement, coordinated tactics, and tireless investigation to identify, intercept, and stop these illegal vehicles before they can be used in crimes.” She also advocated for legislative changes that would make it a misdemeanor to possess ATVs within New York City, citing current laws that complicate enforcement.
Borough President Fossella echoed this sentiment, calling for cooperation between local and state legislators to strengthen laws that support the NYPD’s efforts against illegal vehicles.
In a unique moment, the officials used construction machinery to crush the confiscated motorized scooters, marking a symbolic end to illegal vehicle use in the city. Although some equipment malfunctioned during the event, leading to a small fire that sanitation workers promptly extinguished, the overall message remained clear: New York City is committed to reducing crime and enhancing public safety through aggressive enforcement of laws against illegal vehicles.
This vigorous approach suggests a hopeful future for public safety in New York City, as officials work to reclaim the streets from crime associated with these unregulated motorized vehicles.