San Francisco cyclists, motorists clash

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 12 (UPI) -- A bicycle group's aggressive monthly ride through San Francisco's streets is proving increasingly frustrating for the city's motorists.

While members insist their Critical Mass ride -- six abreast and 1,500 strong -- is simply an attempt to give bicyclists additional road rights, the event typically includes numerous fights with motorists, the Los Angeles Times said Sunday.

Limousine driver Dennis Webb said during one of the events he not only was forced to wait for up to hundreds of bicycles to pass but had his car vandalized by one rider.

"Some of these people try to provoke motorists," Webb said. "When you start that, you're looking for trouble. It's only natural you're not going to let them get away with that."

Local police have begun to take action to the 15-year-old event, arresting any bicyclists or motorists who take their road rage out on one another during the ride.

The Times said that in an attempt to minimize such occurrences, police have not only met with event organizers but assigned 40 officers to maintain peace.