Police stop attempted Bay Bridge takeover by 85 unruly cyclists, seizing their bikes

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Police and California Highway Patrol officers stopped a planned takeover of the Bay Bridge by dozens of cyclists Saturday afternoon, authorities said.

San Francisco police said department drones tracked the group as they rode the wrong way up the Harrison Street off-ramp toward the bridge's lower deck.

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Officers moved in and formed blockades at both ends of the on-ramp, preventing the cyclists from entering the bridge.

About 85 citations were issued, and 85 bicycles were confiscated, police said.

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ABC7 Eyewitness News reached out to San Francisco supervisor Danny Sauter who backed the tougher consequences passed late last year, asking whether regular bicycles should also be included in that legislation. He says, "Our office has been focused on reducing sideshow and dirt bike activity. This past week's actions show the need for enforcement and deterrents to this behavior which can be dangerous and put lives at risk. We'll continue to consider any and all tools we have as a city to respond to prevent and deter this behavior."

Authorities reported the group had been seen swerving in and out of traffic and coming dangerously close to pedestrians before attempting to access the bridge.

Police released drone video showing the cyclists being stopped on the on-ramp.