Police are seeking residents’ help getting those pesky – and often dangerous – dirt bikes and ATVs off the streets.

Most of these things are illegal and they become more pervasive in the summer months, prompting concern across the city, including residents of West Philadelphia. Police are asking that if you see one on the street to call 911.

Here are a few other things to know when reporting an illegal use of these vehicles:

“Be prepared to provide a description of the vehicle and its operator,” according to Philly Police Blog. “Understand that these bikes and ATVs are moving vehicles and are often not in the area when an officer responds. Officers are trained to evaluate the danger that stopping these vehicles will pose to the public before attempting to pull it over. Also, it is important that citizens make every attempt to stay out of the way of these violators to avoid a potentially dangerous situation.”

You can also help the police if you can provide information about who has this vehicle, where it is stored, or if it is stolen. You can submit this information as a tip. You can send your tip as a text message to short code PPDTIP, email it to tips@PhillyPolice.com, or call 215-686-TIPS(8477).

Reader Max expresses his concern about some young men riding motorcycles/dirt bikes too dangerously on the neighborhood streets. Here’s what he writes:

“I am a resident of West Philly and am writing to bring an issue in the open since I feel like I am not the only person concerned about this. There are groups of young men riding dirt bikes all around the neighborhoods (Baltimore to Market, 48th to 56th and beyond).

These people are riding very dangerously, they often run red lights, they run on one wheel, they are disturbingly loud, they ride with no helmet (so when they get injured who is paying for their hospital bills?). I see them often, too often, missing accidents by a hair, being this close to injuring by-passers. What worries me is that I have seen them riding past police cars and NOTHING was done by the police.

Is this more than what it seems? Is this an organized group or some kind of gang practice? I don’t know. I’ve tried to call 911 but they pass by quickly, so any 911 call is ineffective. What can be done about it? Are other residents concerned as well? Is it reasonable to expect a more prompt response from law enforcement?”