Commentary: Dirt Bikes Aggravate Timberline Neighborhood

By: John Gallup

Girdwood Resident

I’d like to address a neighborhood problem that is getting worse, at least here on Timberline.

We are seeing and unfortunately hearing an increasing number of unlicensed dirt bikes traveling up and down the street. Recently a smaller kid went by with no helmet, and that kind of pushed the issue over the edge for me.

The problem is worse on the weekends, but happens throughout the week as well, especially now that school is out.

I’m conflicted on this issue because growing up in suburban LA we did this kind of thing all the time in our neighborhood, and managed to survive the encounters with curbs, cars, and each other.

Part of the problem is that there isn’t anywhere in Girdwood for off-road motorized recreation, so the roads are the only venue that’s left.

I’ve contacted WPD on this issue and they have suggested that I contact the individuals myself, but at this point I really feel that it is a public safety issue.

Another complication is the arrival of very fast electric bikes, which are quiet but equally unsafe the way some riders use them. Without enforcement the 20 mph speed limit is a joke.

I’d be happy to discuss the establishment of some kind of off-road site in Girdwood for these kids, maybe at the industrial park, but the traffic on Timberline is crazy enough already without adding dirt bikes to the mix.