Los Angeles police impound dozens of minibikes during Sixth Street Bridge takeover

Los Angeles police officers conducted an enforcement operation on the Sixth Street Bridge on September 13, targeting a planned minibike takeover. Authorities reported that between 75 and 80 participants were cited, with approximately 78 misdemeanor arrests issued for the illegal operation of bikes on city streets.

Officers impounded 78 minibikes and pocket bikes, as well as two trucks allegedly used to aid and conceal items for minors. The LAPD noted that the operation was necessary due to the low visibility and high instability of the motorized devices, stating that “one wrong move can lead to catastrophic injury.”

Among those cited were juveniles, some as young as 13 years old. While police characterized the citations as arrests, some parents expressed disagreement with the enforcement, arguing that riding together as a family should not be criminalized. The California Highway Patrol defines pocket bikes as motorized devices not designed or manufactured for highway use.