Lowell police describe partnership sweep against illegal dirt bikes, say enforcement and education will continue

Police Chief Hudon told the Lowell City Council on Tuesday that a multi-agency operation this spring targeted reckless operation of dirt bikes, mopeds and other nuisance vehicles and that enforcement and education will continue.

The operation, Hudon said, brought in state partners including the Environmental Police and Massachusetts State Police, and used Lowell units including the gang unit, NRU and vice. “They brought in additional assets in addition to our gang unit, our NRU unit, and some, some of our, vice unit as well,” Hudon said. “We conducted operations where we targeted, reckless operation both in motorcycles, dirt bikes, mopeds, anything that's really been been a nuisance complaint to the quality of life of the citizens.”

Why it matters: Councilors and residents said reckless riders have degraded neighborhood safety and quality of life. Councilors asked how sustained enforcement will be maintained and whether the department will use public education to reduce repeat offenses.

Hudon said the department used a state police helicopter during the operation “to obviously give us eyes on a on a bigger scale,” and that the city followed its pursuit policy when tracking riders. He told councilors the department did not deploy its drone for the operation and emphasized officer and public safety as limits on interdiction. “We have to be very cognizant of that when we go after them,” Hudon said.

Councilors and residents who spoke praised the operation and asked about continued enforcement and outreach. Resident Tassie Young asked whether sweeps would continue through the summer and whether the city would issue public education about the illegality of dirt bikes on streets. Councilor Scott and others urged ongoing activity and more public communication.

Hudon said patrol officers continue to intervene when possible and that the department will coordinate with state partners “as needed.” He also agreed the department can post outreach on social media. The chief described a follow-up enforcement effort in downtown that seized about 24 pedal bikes and returned 20 after educational sessions with parents.

Discussion vs. direction vs. action: The counciled discussion was advisory; no new ordinance or appropriation was taken at the meeting. Hudon described ongoing enforcement plans (direction) and pledged further public information; the council expressed support for continued operations.

Background: Councilors referenced a previous major operation and told the chief they had received positive feedback from residents. Councilors also noted limits on local enforcement where high-speed pursuit would endanger the public and suggested anonymous tips to help locate sources of illegal activity.

Looking ahead: Chief Hudon said the department will continue joint operations with state partners as needed and will use social media and outreach to inform residents about enforcement and safety guidance.