EXCLUSIVE: GoLocal Captures Dirt Bike Riders on Van Leesten Pedestrian Bridge in Providence

EXCLUSIVE: GoLocal Captures Dirt Bike Riders on Van Leesten Pedestrian Bridge in Providence

Providence’s battle against illegal ATVs and dirt bikes took a major setback on Thursday night.

The Michael Van Leesten pedestrian bridge was crowded with families, couples, and individuals enjoying the beautiful summer night Thursday until dirt bikes went racing across the bridge. The bridge is named for the civil rights leader who died in 2019.

GoLocal has the video of bikes, which are illegal for use on city streets -- crossing the pedestrian area, which is closed to vehicular traffic -- on video.

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This is the latest incident of ATVs and dirt bikes endangering walkers and drivers.

When the bridge first opened in August of 2019, it was staffed by Providence Police, but due to staff reductions in the police department, there are no longer regular patrols.

Providence Police staffing is now less than 420. A new class is scheduled to graduate from the Providence Police Academy this month, and the city is seeing a significant number of retirements. The net increase is expected to be approximately ten.

 

 

Smiley Administration

In April, Providence Mayor Brett Smiley — and Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez — pledged a new dedicated task force to address the ongoing problem plaguing Providence. 

“We want people to know we are serious about stopping the use of these illegal vehicles that put everyone at risk and make our streets unsafe,” said Smiley at City Hall on Wednesday, April 5. “By creating the Community Response Team, we will be using more resources than in the past to detect activity before it occurs, and we will be pursuing the appropriate criminal charges. No one should be using these vehicles and if they are caught doing so, they will face serious consequences.”

But just days later after the announcement, a group of illegal ATVs were caught by GoLocal on video.

 

 

There Have Been Successes

Just three weeks ago, GoLocal had video members of the Providence Police Department seizing at least three off-road dirt bikes — which are illegal for use on city streets.

The confiscation of the vehicles took place on Thayer Street on the East Side.

ATVs and other illegal bikes have dominated the city for the past six years and have been tied to accidents, crimes and beatings.