Chaos was unleashed in Boston on Saturday when more than 100 people riding bicycles, scooters, and dirt bikes stormed the roads, tunnel and bridges. The unusual scene caught the attention of the police and commuters alike, with videos quickly surfacing online showing the group riding dangerously close to cars.
Table of Contents
Riders Flood the Zakim Bridge and O’Neill Tunnel
The group first appeared around 2 p.m. as they crossed Boston’s iconic Zakim Bridge. From there, they stormed into the O’Neill Tunnel, a key stretch of Interstate 93 that runs directly under the city. Video clips shared online revealed dozens of riders weaving between vehicles. Some even performed stunts, putting themselves and nearby drivers at risk.
A witness described the scene as “unreal”, saying it looked less like traffic and more like a street performance. “They were everywhere- doing wheelies, cutting in and out. You couldn’t believe it was happening inside the tunnel,” the commuter said.
ALSO READ: Chevrolet Corvette CX Concept: Four Motors, Canopy Doors, and 2,000 HP- Wild!
State Police Respond from the Ground and Air
Massachusetts State Police confirmed that they had been tracking the group’s movements for several hours. A police helicopter followed them from above as cruisers attempted to intercept from the ground. Authorities urged drivers who encountered the group not to engage or attempt to block them.
“These groups can be unpredictable and unsafe,” a State Police spokesperson said. “The safest action for motorists is to keep distance and allow officers to handle the situation.”
Boston Police vs Dirt Bikers: Arrest Made!
The afternoon turned more serious when one dirt bike rider collided with a police cruiser in the Seaport District, near the busy intersection of D and Summer streets. Police said the crash led to the arrest of a 22-year-old man, who now faces charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. His name has not been released.
The bike involved in the crash was later confirmed to have been stolen. While the rider fled the scene on foot, another suspect was taken into custody. The incident underscored just how reckless and unlawful the group’s actions had become.
Laws and Safety Concerns
In Massachusetts, it is illegal to ride bicycles or scooters on highways. Still, incidents like this occasionally occur. Authorities stress that such behavior not only violates traffic laws but also poses extreme danger to riders and drivers.
“Highways are designed for fast-moving vehicles,” said a transportation safety expert. “When bicycles or dirt bikes enter that environment, the risk of serious crashes skyrockets.”
The O’Neill Tunnel, where many of the riders were spotted, is one of Boston’s busiest traffic corridors. The mix of cars traveling at highway speeds and large groups of stunt riders created what officials described as a “potential recipe for disaster.”
A Pattern of Risky Behavior
This isn’t the first time Boston has seen illegal biking groups take over highways. Just months ago, on May 12, video footage shared by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation showed five young riders entering the I-93 South tunnel on bicycles. While that event involved only a handful of individuals, Saturday’s gathering was on a much larger scale, making it one of the most disruptive displays in recent memory.
Neighbors and commuters expressed frustration. One driver caught in the traffic called it “terrifying”. “You don’t expect to see people popping wheelies in front of your car at 60 miles per hour,” she said. “It’s dangerous for them and for us.”
What Happens Next?
Authorities have not confirmed whether more arrests are expected, but the State Police are reviewing video evidence to identify participants. Officials said additional charges could follow, especially for riders who endangered others on the road.
For now, the incident serves as another reminder of the challenges Boston faces with groups of bikers and stunt riders using public streets and highways as playgrounds. Police have vowed to increase monitoring and patrols to prevent similar takeovers in the future.
As one officer put it, “This isn’t about fun or freedom. This is about safety. When you put hundreds of riders on highways not meant for them, you put everyone at risk.”
