OFF THE WIRE
http://www.dnainfo.com/20101026/washington-heights-inwood/bikers-halloween-costumes-terrorize-upper-manhattan
October 26, 2010 2:53pm A large group of motorcyclists rode on sidewalks, into oncoming traffic and threatened residents Sunday afternoon. The gang of bike riders on Seaman Avenue and 218th Street Sunday afternoon. (DNAinfo/Carla Zanoni)By Carla Zanoni
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
UPPER MANHATTAN — What appeared to be a parade of Halloween-masked bikers out for a joy ride took an unpleasant turn over the weekend when the riders drove into oncoming traffic, crashed sidewalks and yelled threats at pedestrians.
Police said they were aware of the marauding crowd on expensive racing bikes, most without license plates, racing through the streets of Washington Heights and Inwood, but were unable to apprehend the riders.
"They had moved on by the time we got to where the call originated," said Officer Christian Perez.
Twitter and Facebook lit up with posts about the riders who were seen and heard all the way from the Allen Pavillion parking lot, at Broadway and 220th Street, to 181st Street in Washington Heights.
"Wonders why 200 costumed idiots decided 218th and Allen Pavillion were the ideal places to ride their motorcycles and 4-wheelers(!) on the sidewalk and generally break multiple laws. Also, the police were where?" wrote Inwood resident Jane Lowers on her Facebook page.
The group of 100 riders or more were spotted along Broadway from 220th Street to 181st Street in Washington Heights. (DNAinfo/Carla Zanoni)"What's with the motorcycle rally up and down Broadway??? #Inwood #wheresthcops," Twitter user Grimace2271 wrote.
Several residents have complained recently about bikes roaring through the neighborhoods, which have been documented by the police and community groups.
But Captain Jose Navarro of the 34th Precinct has said it's difficult for the police to stamp out the problem due to the dangers of chasing fast bikes and inexperienced riders.
Officer Perez echoed that sentiment.
"We really have our backs up against the wall, it’s a catch-22, Perez said, explaining that the force wants to catch the riders, but are worried about doing more harm.
Perez added that the police are making adjustments to their patrols this weekend in anticipation of the Halloween holiday.
"The Captain is making sure we have increased details on the street," he said.
