A planned disruption on the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge was thwarted on March 28th when law enforcement blocked a large group of bicycle riders attempting to access the freeway.

Police Intercept Riders Before Bridge Access

The California Highway Patrol (CHP), working with the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD), identified the group as they rode recklessly through city streets. Authorities tracked the riders in real-time as they headed toward the bridge, ultimately entering via the Harrison Street off-ramp – traveling against the flow of traffic.

Real-Time Tracking and Strategic Response

“We worked with SFPD to stage units nearby and continue to monitor,” a CHP spokesperson told Fox News Digital. The response was based on prior incidents where similar groups progressed from city streets onto the bridge. “Through ongoing communications and a lot of moving parts, the theory was proven correct and the group was intercepted before gaining access.”

Detentions and Bicycle Seizures

A total of 85 individuals were detained and cited for illegally riding bicycles on a freeway. All were released at the scene, but 85 bicycles were seized. Officials will check the bicycles against a stolen property database, and any identified as stolen will result in additional charges.

Similarities to Sideshow Activity

The spokesperson noted that, in similar incidents, stolen bicycles are uncommon, as participants often take “a lot of personal pride in their rides,” comparing the groups to those involved in sideshow activity.

Dangerous Behavior and Warnings

Authorities described the group’s behavior as dangerous and escalating, with riders swerving through traffic, approaching moving vehicles and pedestrians, and even intentionally riding at oncoming cars. The CHP stated that riders were “seen riding directly at moving vehicles, swerving in and out of traffic, and coming dangerously close to pedestrians.”

Emphasis on Public Safety

“What we saw yesterday was not harmless fun,” said CHP San Francisco Area Captain Tim McCollister. “This is no place for games or risky behavior.” McCollister emphasized the extreme danger of riding against traffic on a freeway and the department’s commitment to preventing tragedy. CHP Golden Gate Division Chief Steve Ramos praised the joint response, stating that officers “stopped this group before they could wreak havoc on our freeways.”