SCOTTDALE, Pa. — The mayor of Scottdale is asking parents to speak with their children about the dangers of dirt bikes as the borough reports an increase in incidents of reckless driving.
“We’ve seen an uptick of people riding through the streets on the sidewalks, doing very unsafe things, and so we are very concerned about their safety and innocent pedestrian safety and drivers,” said Scottdale Mayor Lindy House.
Video of one incident shows a dirt bike coming down Arthur Avenue when a man with a bat runs into the road and appears to gesture like he is going to swing at the individual.
Mayor House says she witnessed the incident.
“It was intense,” House explained. “ I believe they just wanted to scare them, but it still could have gone very wrong.”
House said the individual was seen taunting people at the baseball field where the man came from and neighbors nearby.
“I’m afraid they’re going to total my car. Or hurt themselves, said neighbor Donnamarie Gipperich-Grimmer. “It’s kind of scary because now it seems like they’re utilizing the back alley on the rear of my house.”
Scottdale Police told WPXI, “We are actively investigating to obtain the identity of the individual(s) on these dirt bikes due to multiple other reports of their reckless behavior throughout the borough.”
Until then, Mayor House is asking parents to speak with their children, as many of the incidents seem to be perpetrated by teenagers.
“Our laws state that dirt bikes are not allowed on the roads, on the sidewalks. Anywhere in the borough, except private property,” said House.
Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW