Dirt bike takeover shuts down Bay Bridge; 70 bikes impounded

Dirt bike operation shuts down Bay Bridge

Chaos on the Bay Bridge after a group of dirt bike riders forced Oakland-bound traffic to shut down for more than an hour.

OAKLAND, Calif. - A group of dirt bike riders caused chaos on the road Sunday evening, briefly shutting down the Bay Bridge and stranding commuters on the bridge for more than an hour.

Chaos on Bay Bridge

What we know:

A person who was allegedly part of a dirt bike takeover tried to just in the bay. May 3, 2026 Photo: Oakland Fire Department

The California Highway Patrol responded to calls of alleged illegal activities by the dirt bike riders on the westbound side of the bridge a little before 5 p.m. 

An hour later, the dirt bike riders made their way to the eastbound lanes toward Oakland.

The chaotic sequence stranded bystanders and drivers in standstill traffic for more than an hour on the bridge.

Eventually, CHP was able to get the riders to clear out, with a large group of the suspects ditching their bikes and taking off on foot.

According to the Oakland Fire Department, one of the alleged bikers jumped into the bay. 

That person was rescued and arrested for allegedly trying to dodge police. That biker was one of at least two people arrested that evening.

Roughly 70 bikes were impounded following the bridge shutdown, and no injuries were reported, Oakland police said.

Oakland police recover more than 70 dirt bikes and ATVS on the Bay Bridge. May 3, 2026 Photo: OPD 

Dirt bike takeovers

Big picture view:

Oakland police recover more than 70 dirt bikes and ATVS on the Bay Bridge. May 3, 2026 Photo: OPD 

Dirt bike takeovers are not uncommon.

One occurred in 2023 in San Francisco's Richmond district, another took place in September 2025 in Oakland. 

In March, the CHP reported its officers were successfully able to block a large group of bicyclists and motorcyclists from taking over the Bay Bridge.