Bike Life In Paterson, New Jersey

In Paterson, New Jersey, it’s common to see large groups of young adults riding dirtbikes and ATVs doing wheelies down public streets in broad daylight. Having a license, registration, or even a helmet is optional, according to the rules they’ve made for themselves. Although riding all-terrain vehicles is a popular hobby for people across the country, those in urban areas face unique difficulties expressing their love of riding. Most dense cities don’t have legal places to ride, and unless hobbyists have a truck, it’s difficult to bring dirt bikes to a track or trails outside of the city they live in.
This past summer, I filmed some of the “bike life” community in Paterson. I’d show up with my cameras to Bunker Hill, the area where riders feel comfortable enough to practice their tricks before taking their skills to the busier streets. This industrial area of the city isn't a foolproof place to practice, though. Businesses still operate there and large shipments still come and go via box trucks. Workers and commuters pass through in their cars. The police stop by and try to make arrests. Still, it’s more secluded than the other areas of the city which has given it a reputation as the spot to be if you want to practice for decades.
There have been multiple articles covering how cities are vowing to “crack down” on all-terrain riders this past year. Politicians and police forces have held press conferences in front of hundreds of confiscated bikes as they are destroyed by heavy machinery and citing statistics of their dangers. I wanted to meet with the riders near where I live to learn more about the scene from their perspective.
This piece tries to talk about the bike life scene from the mouths of the participants themselves.
In it we hear about some of the dangers associated with the lifestyle, the perception of policing the riders, and see how engaging and exciting their stunts can be.
Please take a look, and if you watch the entire thing, let me know what you think!
Derek Gardner is a video journalist and producer.
Shot, edited, and produced by Derek Gardner
Drone footage by Garrett Gardner
The riders would like to stay anonymous
Special thanks to: / 973_bikelife
Other Links:
Paterson Police Crack Down On Dangerous Off-Road Vehicles, Arrest One
www.tapinto.ne...
Newark Police Will Crack Down On Illegal Use Of Dirt Bikes, Atvs
www.tapinto.ne...
A Heavy Message: Mayor, NYPD Crush Illegal Dirt Bikes And Atvs In Nyc
pix11.com/news...
NYPD Is Confiscating And Destroying Illegal Dirt Bikes And Atvs That Are Being Used On Nyc Streets
sunnysidepost....
‘Let’s Crush These Things Now!’ De Blasio, NYPD Show Off Destruction Of Seized Dirt Bikes
www.amny.com/n...
Eric Adams Calls For City, State Crackdown On Illegal Dirt Bikes
nypost.com/202...