BC Highway Patrol (BCHP) is releasing video showing a young man fleeing from police on an e-motorcycle in North Vancouver in the hopes that his parents will come forward.

On Aug. 28 around 6 p.m., a BCHP officer tried to stop an e-motorcycle rider, who police say had a “low level of skill,” driving along Grand Boulevard.

However, instead of stopping, the rider sped up through a stop sign to flee police.

The bike almost collided with a car before fleeing, BCHP says. The officer chose not to chase the youth for safety reasons.

The youth’s face is blurred in the video as required by the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

He is described as being about 14 to 18 years old with a slim build. He has a receding chin and was wearing a bicycle helmet with a visor, a black hoodie, black cuffed jeans, and black Adidas sneakers, highway patrol says.

Police say they have seen an increase in young riders trying to “bait” police into chasing them.

“This is stupid,” said Sgt. Michael McLaughlin.

“Police are trying to keep everyone safe, and we need parents to start helping us out so we can prevent their kids from hurting themselves, or worse.”

BCHP says parents have a responsibility to make sure their kids are being safe.

“A lot of people are buying electric motorcycles that have no pedals, no signal lights, and no business on public roads,” said Sgt. Michael McLaughlin.

“Your children might ‘promise’ to ride their machines responsibly and keep off public roads, but that’s not what’s happening.”

Anyone who knows the identity of the youth is asked to call BCHP-Squamish at 604-892-6100.