Bicycle Flash Mobs Causing Problems In San Leandro

SAN LEANDRO, CA — Police in San Leandro say "flash mob" groups of bicycle riders are disrupting traffic and damaging motorists' vehicles in the city, prompting calls from worried citizens.

The police department received 107 calls for service regarding bicyclists disrupting traffic in the last four or five months, according to police. The "flash mobs" are dangerous to everyone, including motorists, pedestrians and the bicyclists themselves, police said.

The "flash mobs" are organized via social media, police said, and they ride with no regard to traffic laws.

When the bicyclists knock over trash cans, damage vehicles and disregard officers' commands, the officers
must resort to enforcing traffic laws when necessary, police said.

The police department said a total of four bicycles have been impounded by the police department as part of arrests being made in the last four or five months. In the four cases, three youths were released with citations and one adult was taken to jail.

The department said as summer approaches, with an increase of bicyclists and pedestrians, "it is paramount that we maintain an environment where everyone can safely use the roadways, parks and sidewalks."

— Bay City News; Image via Shutterstock