Unsafe Bicycles Take Over Roads, Freeway
Summer is in full swing, and the kids on school break are taking their bikes to the streets to hang out with friends—but are they doing so safely? California Highway Patrol (CHP) Hayward and many Castro Valley residents have seen otherwise.
Recently, there have been multiple sightings of a group of as many as 20 young bicyclists recklessly riding on the wrong side of the road, blocking intersections, running into pedestrians, and even endangering their own lives by riding on the freeway alongside automobiles.
On Monday, June 19, at about 2:35 in the afternoon, the CHP responded to a call about a pack of bicyclists riding northbound on San Miguel, north of Castro Valley Boulevard. The group then rode onto Interstate 580 toward San Leandro. By the time the CHP arrived, the bicyclists had already exited the freeway and entered the city. That's where the Alameda County Sheriff's Office (ACSO) took over.
Deputies say they were unable to issue citations or make any arrests because the bicyclists had already scattered into side streets in San Leandro neighborhoods, where San Leandro Police have jurisdiction.
ACSO Lieutenant Tya Modeste said that these biking groups of young kids formed during the COVID-19 pandemic and that these groups riding on the freeway is a newer trend that she has seen occur twice over the past two years. The bike group often arranges to meet up using online sites like Instagram and TikTok, where they also post photos of their adventures. The group has previously scheduled rides in Castro Valley, Hayward, and Fremont.
Lt. Modeste reminds people that bike accidents on the road can be fatal even in residential areas at lower speeds. So, biking near cars going extremely fast, freeway speeds, and drivers not being prepared for pedestrians and bikers is a recipe for danger.
Motorists and residents say they are frustrated with these bicyclists and are calling on law enforcement to step in and put a stop to their escapades.
“I’ve seen them recklessly riding wheelies the wrong way in the streets, at major community events, and even down Interstate 580 a few months ago,” Castro Valley resident Todd Anglin told the Forum. “I am highly concerned that their reckless riding behaviors can lead to a serious life-changing accident, impacting either their own future life or somebody else’s caused by their dangerous maneuvers. I remember seeing one at the Fall Fest street fair last year doing a wheelie and almost hitting a pregnant lady who was walking with her infant son from behind. I wish law enforcement would increase enforcement when they endanger themselves and others. This situation is getting worse and must be addressed before something bad happens.”
Castro Valley resident Stephen Torres shared his experience of feeling unsafe in his own town: “Every day, I battle with these kids. They block all entries to any store on the Boulevard and are very cocky. They curse and use really foul words. Maybe it’s just a 10-12-year-old kid's major lack of respect. In this day and age, I don’t feel safe anymore, even in Castro Valley.”
The CHP says bikes are a great way to get around town and exercise, but it asks everyone to be safe and mindful of others on the road when biking. Staying in bike lanes, wearing reflective clothing at night, and wearing a helmet are the best ways to stay safe on a bike.