Broward authorities prepare for 'Bikes Up, Guns Down' ride

Authorities warn riders they will be cracking down on violators

BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. – Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Monday and police are trying to prevent throngs of all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles from taking over the roads.

The riders pop wheelies and do tricks, posing a danger to other drivers.

Fliers are already circling around social media, inviting bikers to overtake South Florida's roads once again in an event they call "Bikes Up, Guns Down."

The event has angered drivers and police for the past few years.

"We respect the rights of peaceful protest and assembly. However, this is not an invitation to endanger the lives of other motorists," Fort Lauderdale police Maj. Eric Brogna said.

This year, law enforcement agencies are uniting to help put a stop to the madness.

Authorities from the Miami-Dade Police Department, the Broward Sheriff's Office and other agencies will use helicopters and ground command posts to tracks offenders.

"We will identify every violator that we are not prepared to pursue for later arrest and for possible confiscation of their ATVs," Broward County Sheriff Scott Israel said.

"Doing wheelies, driving the wrong way on the interstate, etc -- besides being illegal, (it) is extremely dangerous for all parties," Florida Highway Patrol Maj. Robert Chandler said.

Dirt bikes and ATV's are banned from public roads, and officers are steering them to designated land where the act is legal.

Violators will have their vehicles confiscated and will be ticketed or arrested and face stiff fines that could range from $116 to more than $1,100.

"Really, the main objective is the safety of all motoring public," Chandler said.


About the Author:

Terrell Forney joined Local 10 News in October 2005 as a general assignment reporter. He was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, but a desire to escape the harsh winters of the north brought him to South Florida.