anteca Police issued 25 citations and impounded 18 bicycles on Monday as they busted a “Manteca Takeover” advertised on Instagram.

Under new ordinance language cracking down on organized street takeovers by bicyclists that just recently went into effect, the city can fine offenders up to $200 apiece and impound bicycles for up to 30 days.

The citations ranged from not following the California rules of the road that apply to bicyclists and pedestrians to operating a vehicle that is not street legal. In this case, it involved electric bikes that lacked pedals.

The citation cost is in addition to the impound fee.

There were bicyclists that attempted to get away and some did.

That said, one that thought he missed being cited is in for a surprise.

A 26th citation will be issued to a juvenile who was caught in drone footage by a police drone operator who recognized him as he fled the scene and ended up running into a house. That individual will be mailed a citation.

Altogether, police made 25 traffic stops.

The event that originated at the skate park Monday at 2 p.m. was effectively shut down within minutes as riders departing the skate park via the Tidewater Bikeway immediately started going down the middle of Elm Street and then Center Street with many popping wheelies and such at the same time.

Mayor Gary Singh has been flooded with complaints from parents as well as having some thank him and the city for citing their sons.

Singh said he has no problem taking the flak from angry parents complaining the city is not allowing “kids to be kids.”

“This is about driver safety and this is about the safety of (the bicyclists),” Singh said.

The mayor praised the police department for their effective response.

Police came across a flyer circulating that set up the “Manteca takeover” for Monday, which was a non-school day for Manteca Unified.

The flyer stated, “make this deep, come out, don’t be scared.”

Sgt. Pat Danipour indicated department command decided to take steps to effectively enforce the ordinance given the advance notice via the flyer.

Since it would be extremely hard for five patrol officers on duty to be pulled away from other calls, let alone provide an adequate response, the decision was made to bring eight officers in on an overtime assignment.

Three community service officers were also assigned to process any bicycles that would be impounded.

Drones were used when between 50 and 60 bicyclists departed the skate park.

Danipour said the decision was made to move in officers when laws after bicyclists were observed breaking the law from live feed provided by drones.

“We felt it would be safer to do so on Center Street before they reached busier streets,” Danipour said.

The department has taken a zero tolerance to illegal stunt riding such as popping wheelies in traffic and street takeovers where multiple people ride side-by-side instead of the required single line either in a bicycle lane or as far to the right of the street as is safely possible.

A brazen group ride for a mile on the 120 Bypass freeway in late January prompted the council to make alterations to municipal ordinances to make it legal for police to impound bicycles in such instances.

It also includes the $200 fine that doubles to $400 on the second offense.

Judging by the response Singh has received, the impoundment of bicycles along with the $200 fine helped a number of parents get the message loud and clear.

Danipour said no adults were involved this time in the group ride. If they had been, they would have been subjected to arrest for contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

“That is a much more serious crime,” Danipour said.

It could not be determined who organized Monday’s takeover. If has been possible to do so, the juvenile would have been subjected to a $1,000 fine.

Going forward when any such event is organized in the future, the department’s goal is to also nail organizers.

Danipour notes the police are serious about enforcing the rules of the road on all bicyclists, regardless of age. That includes no one under the age of 12 being able to ride a bicycle on a city sidewalk.

During Tuesday’s council meeting, Councilman Charlie Halford echoed Singh’s sentiments regarding parents complaining about their sons being cited by police and having their bicycles impounded.

“If you think this is a case of kids being kids, you are seriously mistaken,” said the retired Manteca police chief and councilman.

Halford repeated the inherent danger of serious injuries and mayhem stunt riding in traffic and the street takeovers have on public safety.

Councilwoman Regina Lackey related how a parent questioned why their son was cited given “he was only filming” the street takeover with his smartphone.

“They were participating,” she said of the filming.

Police Chief Stephen Schluer confirmed that was the case.

Manteca is treating street takeovers by bicyclists just like car sideshows.

The city has adopted ordinances that make those that gather to see sideshows, film, them as such as guilty as those behind the wheel.

State law is on the city’s side as such spectators are still participating in an illegal activity.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com