Some of the riders on dirt bikes that rode through Astoria Park Sunday (Screenshot)
May 4, 2021 By Michael Dorgan
Dozens of illegal riders on dirt bikes and ATVs ripped through Astoria Park Sunday pulling wheelies, revving engines and sending dust flying – before eventually being chased out of the park by police.
The unruly sight, which left park-goers angered – and others covered in dust – occurred at around 6 p.m. at the southern end of the park where families were soaking up the evening sunlight and skateboarders were riding the ramps of the skate park.
A long stream of raucous bikers were seen traveling southbound along a pathway inside Astoria Park before descending on the skate park that was full of young children who were forced to flee for safety, video footage obtained by the Queens Post shows.
One biker pulled a “doughnut” just before entering the skate park which showered people in dust, according to Ben Kennedy, a skateboarder who witnessed the disruptive scene.
“It was a complete dust storm for a couple of minutes,” said Kennedy, who estimated that the group consisted of more than 100 vehicles.
The bikers essentially forced the pedestrians off the pathway and one mother pushing her child in a baby stroller could be seen waiting for the dangerous activity to subside before accessing the walkway, the footage reveals.
The bikers, Kennedy said, then essentially took over the skate park by driving around the concrete purpose-built area leaving irate skateboarders with no choice but to leave or else face being run down. Many of the bikers were not wearing helmets.
Around 10 cops showed up a few minutes later and chased the bikers away, Kennedy said. He said the police confiscated two dirt bikes at the scene after some riders decided to drop their vehicles in order to evade the cops on foot.
“It actually became even more dangerous when the cops attempted to apprehend the bikers because they started to scramble away at speed,” Kennedy said about the hectic episode.
It is unclear if any arrests were made. A police spokesperson did not have any information pertaining to the ugly incident when called for comment.
Kennedy said that bikers have been driving recklessly in groups at the park since the weather began to heat up this year.
“It wasn’t a surprise to see them and everyone is mystified as to why they are not being stopped,” he said. “It’s not safe.”
Other residents said that the illegal activity has been taking place at the park since last year.
Three cops standing next to a confiscated dirt bike at Astoria Park Sunday (Photo by Ben Kennedy)
CB1 District Manager Florence Koulouris said that the board received a complaint about the lawless group on Monday and she urged residents to file complaints with 311, then follow up with CB1 with a 311 reference number.
A mother pushing her child in a stroller was prevented from accessing the path because of the bikes. The stream of bikers can be seen in the background heading down the pathway (Screenshot)
“CB1 is an intermediary between residents and the city,” Koulouris said. “We need residents to be the eyes and ears of the community. If you see something say something and we can follow up with the NYC Parks Dept. and the police to make sure people are taking action.”
A spokesperson for NYC Parks said the department is aware of Sunday’s incident and is taking measures to stop it from reoccurring.
“We are currently exploring options to deter the use of illegal dirt bikes and all-terrain vehicles in parks across the city,” said Charisse Hill, a spokesperson for NYC Parks.
Hill, however, did not specifically address solutions for Astoria Park and was referring to parks citywide.
“We have assigned additional Parks Enforcement Patrol Officers (PEP) to help educate visitors about park rules [across NYC] and take enforcement action, if necessary.”
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21 Comments
these idiots are scum, probably the same ones riding up and down queens blvd on the wrong side. absolute morons. wish the police had just been batting them off their bikes.
If they had a protected lane, this wouldn’t be an issue…
They belong in the street. It’s a motor, it goes in the street.
I know, I was trying to be funny
These dirtbike and ATV groups have gotten out of control. Thank you Deblasio, Cuomo and Van Braver (all liberal by coincidence) for letting criminals run the streets while tax paying citizens pay for your budget.
A friend of mine lives near Astoria and asked the bikers as they were gearing up and asked them where they’re from. They answered with several LI suburbs. She asked them if they can do this there. They said “no we’ll get into trouble with the cops there.” These aren’t locals and you can’t be living in NYCHA and afford some of the gear I’ve seen.
Check out the vehicles parked in NYCHA neighborhoods and you’ll see plenty of vehicles that you would think are unaffordable.
Those that demand respect are the ones that show the least respect for others.
As the witness stated “It actually became even more dangerous when the cops attempted to apprehend the bikers because they started to scramble away at speed,” The police presence made it more dangerous. So then let them bike and do not call the cops to do their job.
The cops should not have interfered with these tools of the green new deal. People should be riding these, NOT driving gas-guzzling luxury cars.
Hi Sam, not sure if you know how 2 stroke motors work, they actually burn oil mixed with gas to keep the cylinders lubricated. They are not clean burning bikes.
These dirt bikes are officially approved by the people who dislike luxury cars. They are approved by green logic and ‘science’ and therefore this is simply a people’s protest against ‘luxury cars’ that are a weapon of those who make too much money and do not pay enough taxes.
This is a known issue going on for months, hundreds of lawbreakers in clear view and the NYPD manages to…confiscate two bikes? Geri winner why this keeps happening…
More joys of liberalism.
John- The “true joys of liberalism” are higher salaries in liberal blue states, better education in liberal blue states, better health in liberal blue states, more access to healthcare in liberal blue states, more in savings per capita in Liberal blue states, lower crime rates in liberal blue states and higher retirement earnings in liberal blue states.
The residents of Astoria better hope Caban doesn’t win her NYC Council race!
People are desperate for attention, I guess. Who are they trying to impress? Nobody cares about your dirt bike or overly loud car.
No, they’re not seeking attention. Motorbikes are fun to ride. I loved riding them when I was 14.
And all Gianiris who is westerner queens state representative is worried about is making sure cats are not declawed against their will and no selling of puppies from pet stores and on and on. and they fools that voted for him cant enjoy a stroll in the park. I will bet $1000 is does not publicly condemn this sort of behavior
The guys dropping their bikes usually have outstanding warrants. How many of these fine upstanding citizens live in NYCHA? QP, Please investigate arrest records of those arrested in these incidents. I’m not wrong I see the bikes in projects in large number.
COPS ON DIRT BIKES.