Footage Shows Bay Bridge Illegally Shut Down to Film Music Video; It's Not The First Time

Footage Shows Bay Bridge Illegally Shut Down to Film Music Video; It's Not The First TimeSource: Twitter / Screenshot @DionLimTV
Tony Ng
Published on June 06, 2023

Over the weekend, a dramatic event unfolded on the Bay Bridge when traffic came to a sudden halt due to an alleged music video shoot, as reported by ABC7 News. However, this is not the first time disruptive events have occurred on the bridges of the Bay Area; instances of "dangerous stunts" and sideshows in recent months have sparked concern among drivers and authorities alike.

According to an NBC Bay Area report published on the same day, the video went viral on social media showing people illegally shutting down the bridge for the impromptu shoot, causing anger and frustration among drivers caught in the traffic, but perhaps not surprisingly, some found the incidents to be somewhat expected. The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has launched an investigation into the matter, intending to learn more about the event that brought traffic to a standstill for approximately five minutes.

This is not an isolated occurrence, as a San Francisco Gate article from April 26, 2023, highlights an incident where over 100 motorcyclists completely stopped traffic on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as they engaged in a sideshow, performing stunts such as wheelies and donuts, leaving no reported arrests or injuries. While CHP spokesperson Mark Andrews acknowledged that sideshows on the bridge are not common, he admitted, "It's not something that happens every weekend or every month. It's kind of random."

Another disturbing incident took place on March 20, 2023, wherein dozens of motorcyclists participated in a sideshow on the renowned Golden Gate Bridge, as reported by a local CBS News outlet. Traffic was tied up as riders performed dangerous stunts like wheelies and spinning donuts. Although the illegal sideshow ended after 15-20 minutes, it sheds light on the concerning pattern of recklessness exhibited on the bridges in the San Francisco Bay Area. The CHP revealed that officers are familiar with the group involved in the event, known for their past incidents, such as racing down San Francisco's Embarcadero.

Not only are these activities disruptive to the flow of traffic, but they also pose significant risks to public safety. In January 2021, a man tragically lost his life in a motorcycle crash during a sideshow on the Bay Bridge, as highlighted by KRON. The report stated that the Oakland Police Department had responded to several sideshow reports that day, with "more than 300 All-Terrain Vehicles and dirt bikes participating and driving recklessly around Oakland."

Drivers affected by these activities express concern and frustration, fearing the potential for accidents and delays. Andrea Smith of Oakland, interviewed by NBC Bay Area, believes there are alternative locations for such events instead of disrupting traffic and endangering people. She stated, "There's plenty of empty lots and fields to do all of that, rather than hurting people trying to get to work, to the hospital, or police trying to get somewhere."

The viral videos capturing these incidents, however, provide clues to authorities, who can use the footage to track down and identify those involved. The CHP, although not able to make immediate arrests, managed to seize a green Camaro from a sideshow held in February and launched an investigation into the car's owner, suspected of stealing $20,000 in merchandise, according to the NBC Bay Area article. Meanwhile, drivers such as Omar Rojas of Castro Valley, who have been stuck in traffic during sideshows, hope that the use of better cameras and surveillance can help track down the culprits and limit these potentially dangerous events.