A cyclist group from East Bay says several of its members have been targeted by cars on recent group rides. The Oakland Police Department is investigating at least one of the incidents that happened near Boyd Street and Forest Avenue.
Between Thursday and Saturday, several cyclists with the Easy Bay Bike Party has been hit by four different cars in Emeryville, Oakland, and Berkeley. According to the group, a driver would speed up alongside the cyclists before a passenger would open their door, crashing into the biker.
The attacks are all in different cities and neighborhoods across Easy Bay.
One photo shows a grey Hyundai Elantra sedan attempting to hit a cyclist in Emeryville on Friday evening. In one of the images, one of the passenger’s face is visible.
Another incident is a woman cycling on Shafter Avenue near Forest Street was hit by the door of a grey sedan, and the passengers reportedly laughed as they drove off and left her in the street.
According to the statement, a call was put into the Oakland Police Department, but officers did not open a case.
The group says more than 14 people reported incidents like these, eight people were struck, and two people needed hospitalization for their injuries.
“We can say so much about the emotions going through our hearts right now but our largest concern are the victims. We’ll do everything we can to support them as they recover from the physical and emotional trauma inflicted on them.” — East Bay Bike Party
The East Bay Bike Party calls the attacks violent, saying the cyclists were “targeted” and the cars were used as weapons. The group says this is “another frightening reminder that local governments must take immediate action to make the streets safe for everyone.”
Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact the OPD Traffic Investigation Unit at 510 -777-8570.
