Aykroyd and Murray Took Police Bikes Through Central Park
The actors famously took two police motorcycles for a joyride while filming Ghostbusters II in the late 1980s.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Motocycles
Between 1988 and 1989, Dan Aykroyd and Bill Murray appropriated two police motorcycles from their film set for an unauthorized joyride. The pair drove the emergency vehicles through New York City's Central Park for one hour while using the sirens and lights.
Why it matters
This incident remains a notable piece of Hollywood history, highlighting the spontaneous behavior of the stars during the high-pressure production of a major motion picture.
The actors utilized 2 police motorcycles during their 1 hour excursion. Dan Aykroyd is 74 and Bill Murray is 76 as of 2026.
The players
Dan Aykroyd
He is a comedic actor and writer known for his roles in Saturday Night Live and the Ghostbusters film franchise.
Bill Murray
He is an acclaimed actor recognized for his work in various comedy classics and dramatic films over several decades.
The details
During a production break for Ghostbusters II, the actors took the motorcycles from the film's motor pool and drove through the park while it was closed. They faced no legal or professional consequences for the unsanctioned ride.
Timeline
The pair first met in the 1970s.
The joyride occurred during the filming of Ghostbusters II between 1988 and 1989.
Ghostbusters II was released in 1989.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire was released in 2024.
Aykroyd shared the anecdote on Instagram in September 2026.
Roadmap
The use of production-owned motorcycles reflects the casual integration of high-value equipment into celebrity antics during the 1980s studio era. This behavior highlights a departure from modern, highly regulated film set safety and asset management protocols.
Readers should be aware that unauthorized use of police equipment carries severe legal penalties today, unlike the lack of consequences for the actors in the 1980s. Attempting to replicate such a stunt would likely result in immediate arrest and significant criminal charges.
The takeaway
This historical account serves as a reminder of the differing standards for set safety and professional conduct in the late 20th century. Modern production environments enforce strict control over vehicles to prevent liability and ensure public safety.
Further reading
For more on the culture of riding, see our Motocycles section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Page Six.
