WORCESTER — The Worcester Police Department is warning residents about a potential large youth gathering this weekend involving what officials described as an attempted “bicycle takeover” of public streets and intersections.
Police said they were made aware of plans circulating for a group to ride bicycles in a coordinated manner, which could disrupt traffic and raise public safety concerns. WPD reminded the public that in Massachusetts, bicycles must follow the same rules of the road as motor vehicles when used on public ways.
This comes less than two weeks after Worcester saw a separate incident involving street takeovers that resulted in multiple arrests.
A total of 12 people were arrested, and 19 traffic citations and warnings were issued in the city after several planned street takeovers were thwarted earlier this month. Worcester police, along with other law enforcement agencies and the Massachusetts State Police, said they successfully deterred the events.
It's not immediately clear if these two instances are related.
Police said they are monitoring for similar activity this weekend and are urging parents and caregivers to speak with their children about the risks and legal consequences of participating in such gatherings.
"The Worcester Police Department urges parents & caregivers to ensure their children do not take part in any actions that may put their own wellbeing and safety at risk or cause a public safety hazard to others. Laws will be enforced," police wrote in the statement on Friday.
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