Over 100 cyclists and riders on motorized vehicles caused a stir by illegally taking to Boston's highways this past weekend. According to CBS Boston, the large group began their ride through the streets and onto major roadways such as Interstate 993 and the Zakim Bridge. The disruption commenced shortly after 2 p.m. yesterday, before the riders exited at Government Center, and surged back onto the I-93.
Witnesses described seeing riders performing wheelies and tricks as they left the highway at Seaport, where the incident took a turn. A police cruiser was hit by a dirt bike at the intersection of D Street, and Summer Street. The rider is said to have fled after the collision, and the abandoned bike was later confirmed to be stolen, as Boston 25 News reported. Although witnesses observed a bike propped against a police vehicle, it appeared to emerge without significant damage.
Massachusetts State Police managed to apprehend a 22-year-old individual, who is expected to face charges including disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. The identity of the arrestee has not been disclosed. The extent of arrests beyond this individual is unclear, but the State Police deployed a helicopter to monitor the situation from the skies, indicating the serious approach taken to contain the disruption.
Some bystanders presented conflicted opinions about the riders and their actions. Clint Sanders acknowledged their skill, "They were doing some wheelies, yeah. They were riding pretty good," he told CBS Boston. Zack Wendt expressed his ambivalence in a statement to CBS Boston, "It's definitely not safe," he said, "If they're dangerous, then it's not good, but if they're just riding around for a joy ride, let 'em do it."
