Bikes with motors are part of a growing trend in Fresno. They look like any bike but instead of pushing pedals riders have a purring gasoline motor beneath their seat. It can take them down city streets at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
"This bike get me to work, saves me gas and lots of money," said, See Savang Thao.
"The potential is there for some serious injury if we don't get out in front of it and make people aware you still need to follow the rules of the road when you are operating this vehicle," said, Bruce Owen, with the Fresno Police Department. "One thing that people don't always realize is that these bikes are actually motor vehicles, and if you don't have a license and a helmet you are breaking the law."
Fresno police have found many bikes are operated illegally. En fact they've become a favorite of riders whose record caused them to lose their license.
According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, drivers of a motorized bicycle must be at least 16 years old ave an M1 or M2 license, wear a bicycle helmet and travel only on the road.
The price of these bikes varies but most are under $500.
"This bike get me to work, saves me gas and lots of money," said, See Savang Thao.
"The potential is there for some serious injury if we don't get out in front of it and make people aware you still need to follow the rules of the road when you are operating this vehicle," said, Bruce Owen, with the Fresno Police Department. "One thing that people don't always realize is that these bikes are actually motor vehicles, and if you don't have a license and a helmet you are breaking the law."
Fresno police have found many bikes are operated illegally. En fact they've become a favorite of riders whose record caused them to lose their license.
According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, drivers of a motorized bicycle must be at least 16 years old ave an M1 or M2 license, wear a bicycle helmet and travel only on the road.
The price of these bikes varies but most are under $500.