Boston residents have been demanding action over a rising trend of bike-riding youths terrorizing locals and commuters by swarming the city’s streets.
On Saturday afternoon, commuters were left stunned when more than 100 bikers flooded a major highway, blocking traffic, weaving through cars, and even colliding with a Massachusetts State Police cruiser.
According to local reports, the bike-riding mobs are using illegal motorcycles and electric scooters on the city’s highways.
The incident unfolded around 2 p.m. in the O’Neill Tunnel after state police received multiple calls about a caravan of people on bicycles, dirt bikes, and electric scooters clogging the interstate, according to WCVB.
Motorist Michael Filandro described the sudden takeover as a dangerous spectacle.
“Here comes [one to two] bikes, then 20 bicycles, and we realize there is a whole wagon train of them down the road,” Filandro told the outlet.
“I thought it was a little parade or something going on.
“There was no escort, no police there.
“They were blowing through traffic lights, zipping around cars.”
Bystander videos captured dozens of riders recklessly speeding down the highway.
Most of the riders didn’t have helmets and were swerving in and out of lanes while disrupting traffic flow.
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During the chaos, one rider slammed into a state police cruiser before fleeing on foot, WCVB reported.
Authorities arrested just one participant, 22-year-old Adam Harrison, who was recognized by a trooper at the scene.
Harrison, however, insists he wasn’t part of the highway takeover.
“I was not on the highway. I did not go into the tunnel at all. I’m a 22-year-old guy,” he told Boston 25 News.
“I would not condone that at all.
“I think it’s stupid and it’s reckless to go on the highway.”
Despite his denial, Harrison was arraigned Monday on charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, according to Boston.com.
He pleaded not guilty and is due back in court on September 30.
Court records note that Harrison’s attorney was unavailable due to a bar advocate work stoppage.
Witness Michael Lancaster said the mob overwhelmed drivers without warning.
“It was scary, we didn’t even hear it coming,” Lancaster told WCVB.
“They just revved their horns to make themselves known.
“Just a bunch of dudes on motorcycles.
“They just came ripping through on dirt bikes.”
Meanwhile, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, a Democrat, has remained silent on the chaos.
Wu has already faced mounting criticism over her handling of crime in Boston.
The highway takeover has intensified scrutiny over the city’s lack of control in the face of growing lawlessness.
For many residents, the scene was not just a dangerous nuisance but another sign that the city’s leadership is failing to crack down on criminal activity.
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