Boston motorists were stunned on Saturday when more than 100 bikers — including cyclists, dirt bikers, and electric scooter riders — stormed the city’s highways, bringing traffic to a halt.
The incident began around 2 p.m. when Massachusetts State Police received reports of the group riding recklessly through the O’Neill Tunnel, according to WCVB.
Witnesses described the chaotic scene. “Here comes [one to two] bikes, then 20 bicycles and we realize there is a whole wagon train of them down the road,” driver Michael 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.”
Footage Captures Stunts and Near Misses
Bystander videos quickly went viral on social media, showing riders weaving in and out of cars, some without helmets, performing dangerous stunts.
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Collision With Police Cruiser
During the ride, one biker reportedly collided with a state police cruiser, then fled the scene on foot.
Troopers arrested 22-year-old Adam Harrison, who they recognized from the group, near the scene. Harrison, however, denied involvement in the highway chaos, telling Boston 25 News:
“I saw a bunch of bikers go up the Seaport bridge, and I was like, ‘Oh, that looks like fun.’ I was not on the highway. I did not go into the tunnel at all. I would not condone that at all. I think it’s stupid and it’s reckless to go on the highway.”
Harrison pleaded not guilty to disorderly conduct and resisting arrest on Monday, according to Boston.com. His next court date is set for September 30.
City Leaders Under Fire
The incident added fuel to criticism of Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, who has faced backlash over her handling of crime and public safety in the city.
Witnesses said the joyride was frightening. “It was scary, we didn’t even hear it coming,” Michael 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.”
Ongoing Investigation
So far, Harrison is the only person arrested, though Massachusetts State Police say they are reviewing video evidence to identify additional riders.
The chaotic highway stunt follows a string of similar “ride-outs” in U.S. cities where large groups of bikers and dirt bikers shut down traffic, often overwhelming police before dispersing.
