Georgetown Residents Calling 911 Over Rideshare Bikes: Reports

WASHINGTON, DC -- D.C. police are pleading with the public to stop calling 911 over dockless rideshare bicycles that are often left lying on the ground, according to various media reports.

WAMU's Martin Austermuhle tweeted a screenshot that he says came from a Georgetown listserv that urged residents to call 911 to report dockless rideshare bikes.

The person who made the post appears to be directing people to make inaccurate reports to the police, reporting it as "suspicious activity" and describing riders as "suspects" who are "acting suspicious."

D.C. police aren't happy about the calls, and sent out a tweet urging people not to call 911 over the bikes.

"While recognize your frustration, the MPD urges residents to refrain from dialing 911 to report suspicious activity for merely utilizing bikeshare services," police wrote. "We have engaged the bikeshare companies & are actively working to identify a solution that works for everyone."

Some Georgetown residents find the call to arms to be a little over the top.

"It's a little ridiculous,” Larry Calvert told Fox 5. “It's kind of escalating too high in my opinion. I have seen them around. I think they are a little obtrusive, but to bring it to that level is pretty ridiculous."