12-Year-Old On Motorcycle In Danville Runs Stop Sign, Speeds, Evades Police: DPD

DANVILLE, CA — A 12-year-old riding a motorcycle ran a stop sign while going 45 miles an hour in a residential neighborhood, according to the Danville Police Department.

DPD said that an officer attempted to stop a motorcycle that sped through the stop sign, but the rider did not yield. The officer pursued the motorcycle for nearly a mile until the rider stopped in a cul-de-sac.

The officer discovered that the rider was 12 years old and riding a motorcycle capable of traveling up to 60 mph. The rider was cited for evading a police officer, reckless driving, and driving without a license, and the parents were cited for allegedly knowingly allowing their child to ride illegally. The rider was released to his parents, and the electric motorcycle was towed on a 30-day hold. The case is being referred to the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office for criminal review.

“These electric motorcycles are not ‘e-bikes’ — they are motor vehicles, and are not street legal,” said Danville Police Chief Thomas Rossberg. “Not only will illegal riders be stopped and cited, parents of underage riders will also be cited.”

The town of Danville has launched "Not My Kid," a comprehensive e-bike safety campaign aimed at helping families understand the rules, risks, and responsibilities of youth e-bike use. The site features links to online safety training provided by the California Highway Patrol and California Air Resources Board, as well as a list of all pertinent state laws. Families can also take an interactive quiz to determine whether their child's e-bike is age-appropriate and permitted in specific riding locations.

SEE ALSO:

• Teens 'Recklessly' Drive E-Bikes Through Danville, Run Red Light While Fleeing Police: DPD
• Unlicensed 13-Year-Old Riding Unregistered E-Motorcycle Cited: PPD