Manteca Police Crack Down on Bike Takeovers with New Ordinance

18 bicycles impounded as city aims to curb dangerous roadway stunts by teens

Apr. 9, 2026 at 12:41am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a bicycle tire and pedal, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conveying a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic about a crackdown on illegal bike takeovers.A crackdown on dangerous bike takeovers exposes the harsh realities of law enforcement's response to reckless street stunts.Manteca Today

Manteca police have impounded over a dozen bicycles this week as part of a crackdown on organized street takeovers involving groups of teens riding bikes recklessly in the roadway, in violation of a new city ordinance. The police used drones to track the riders and issued numerous citations, with the impounded bikes requiring a $200 fee to be returned after 30 days.

Why it matters

The new ordinance and police enforcement is an attempt to address growing concerns from residents about the safety risks posed by these spontaneous bike takeovers, where large groups of young riders obstruct traffic and perform dangerous stunts on main roads and highways. The crackdown aims to curb this behavior before it escalates further.

The details

On Monday, Manteca police say they impounded 18 bicycles during an incident where a large group of teens rode down a bike path and then into the roadway, riding against traffic and committing various violations. Police had received advance notice of the planned 'Manteca Takeover' event on social media, and used drones to track and cite the riders. The new city ordinance allows police to impound bikes for 30 days with a $200 fee if riders are caught illegally riding in the road, not wearing helmets, or impeding vehicle traffic.

  • In January, a similar incident occurred where dozens of teens on bikes took over Judy Blumhorst's highway exit.
  • On Monday, April 7, 2026, police impounded over a dozen bikes during the latest bike takeover incident.

The players

Judy Blumhorst

A Manteca resident who regularly commutes on Highway 120 and witnessed a previous incident where dozens of teens on bikes took over her highway exit, prompting concerns about public safety.

Sergeant Steven Beermann

A spokesperson for the Manteca Police Department who explained the department's new crackdown on illegal and dangerous bike takeovers in the city.

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What they’re saying

“Kids shouldn't be there. They're going to get hurt. There's no way bicycles are supposed to be on the highway. There's no way they're supposed to be challenging traffic on main drags in town.”

— Judy Blumhorst, Manteca Resident

“Any planned, spontaneous or organized street takeover which is involving bicycles driven in the roadway, against the municipal code or against the vehicle code, will subject you to a misdemeanor.”

— Sergeant Steven Beermann, Manteca Police Department

What’s next

The bikes that were impounded on Monday will be held for 30 days with a $200 fee to get them back, as the city aims to send a strong message about the consequences for participating in these illegal bike takeovers.

The takeaway

This crackdown by Manteca police highlights the growing concerns over the safety risks posed by organized groups of teens taking over roadways on bicycles, and the city's efforts to curb this behavior through strict enforcement of a new ordinance. The impounding of bikes and hefty fees are intended to deter future incidents and protect both riders and drivers on Manteca's streets.