Though I'm not quite up on my California laws, I'm pretty sure popping a wheelie is against them. Something about reckless riding, endangerment, and stunting comes to mind, though I can't quite put my finger on it.
That said, those laws don't always stop people from popping the clutch and sending their front wheel to 12 o'clock. Maybe it should, however, as not everyone knows how to pop a wheelie and control it.
If a wheelie goes bad, it usually goes bad in a very serious way. So you'd think that the people that were tasked with enforcing said laws—the ones who'll give you a ticket, impound your motorcycle, and potentially arrest you for the act—would know better than to not do so near a bunch of seated people.
Yet, as I've mentioned in previous posts, most people are dumb. And that apparently includes cops, too. One of whom is likely to get their motorcycle license taken away from them as, at a parade in Palm Springs, California, they attempted a wheelie, only to crash into the parade's crowd and injure a bunch of them.
Watch the video below.
According to SF Gate, "Just after 6 p.m., an officer crashed into the crowd at Palm Canyon Drive and Amado Road. A witness told the Los Angeles Times that the officer was 'popping a wheelie' when he lost control of the motorcycle. The City of Palm Springs said that 10 people, including the officer, had non-life threatening injuries."
Writing on Facebook, Chief of Police Andy Mills stated, "By now most of our community knows at the parade tonight one of our traffic motors had an accident on his motorcycle and unfortunately several citizens and our officer were injured. I feel terrible about the accident and injuries to the very people we protect. I am deeply concerned and hope for a thorough recovery. CHP has been asked to conduct a complete traffic investigation and we will conduct an administrative investigation. As Chief of Police, I am responsible for this department and the men and women who serve. After we conduct our investigations I will report back to the community. Again, I am truly sorry."
Doing a bit of research on California's laws, it seems that the police officer involved would, at a minimum, receive a ticket for reckless endangerment and exhibition of speed for their wheelie. That is, had they not crashed into the crowd. Since they crashed into the crowd, they'd likely get further penalties. At least, if they were the average motorcyclist.
I wonder if the cop will get a ticket? Or just a slap on the wrist? I know I wouldn't get such treatment...
