A large group of people on dirt bikes, ATVs and motorcycles rode through parts of Arlington Saturday night.
The illicit ride, involving dozens if not hundreds of riders, made its way through the Rosslyn area around 8 p.m., startling some diners at local restaurants and residents out for a sunset stroll. The ride also went through parts of D.C., including H Street NE.
Saturday’s ride follows similar large group rides that went through parts of Arlington in 2023, 2019 and 2018. Each of those also took place in late August.
On the social network Nextdoor, one witness who was at the corner of Clarendon Blvd and N. Quinn Street described the rumbling convoy of bikers as “chaos.”
“[Hundreds] of people on ATVs and dirt bikes just came through the street between Quinn’s Conner Bar and Saigon Noodles and took an illegal right on Clarendon Blvd to then take a left at the [7-Eleven store],” the poster wrote. “They then got on the sidewalk — where people and dogs walking had to find shelter to get out of the way. Fortunately, Quinn’s on the Corner provided shelter for us.”
“They began spitting at patrons on the sidewalk of the restaurants who were raising their hands in a ‘wtf’ motion,” the poster added. “After multiple loops, accumulating to 15-30 min of disruption, [Arlington] police were there. But only to follow the traffic rules and turn left on the one way when the others had escaped to the right against common law traffic regulations. Just saw the 2 police cars circle back with no answer.”
In a statement, Arlington County police spokeswoman Ashley Savage said no injuries or property damage was reported.
At approximately 8:01 p.m. on August 24, police were dispatched to the 1700 block of N. Pierce Street for a large group of ATVs, motorcycles and dirt bikes operating in the area. Officers responded, activated their emergency equipment and monitored the group for the safety of pedestrians and motorists. The group then exited Arlington County. No injuries or property damage were reported. The investigation is ongoing.
The operation of all-terrain vehicles on any public highway or other private property is prohibited by Virginia Code. If community members observe these vehicles being operated in the county or know the identity of someone riding on Arlington County roadways, they should call the Emergency Communications Center at 703-558-2222. Information can also be provided anonymously to Arlington County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).
Watch: This was the street show around 8:00 last night in Rosslyn. It took more than three minutes before the entire parade passed by Wilson Blvd. and N. Oak St. Police arrive at 1:10 in the video. Video recorded by https://t.co/SB1mV3ENTs. @ARLnowDOTcom @matthewyoung31… pic.twitter.com/8ObCSy0zpO
— Dave Statter (@STATter911) August 25, 2024
Massive amount of ATVs and motorbikes in courthouse-Arlington around 8 p.m. and at the Exxon station on Wilson Blvd. @ARLnowDOTcom pic.twitter.com/RyXgtS4SKq
— Alan Henney (@alanhenney) August 25, 2024
