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Man arrested after illegal bike parade says he wasn’t part of mob that rode on highway
Prosecutors allege Adam Harrison was among a group of more than 100 people seen riding bicycles, dirt bikes, and motorized scooters through Boston Saturday.
A Winthrop man pleaded not guilty to disorderly conduct and resisting arrest charges Monday as prosecutors alleged he was among a group of more than 100 people seen riding bicycles, dirt bikes, and motorized scooters through Boston over the weekend.
Adam Harrison, 22, was released on personal recognizance following his appearance in the Boston Municipal Court’s South Boston Division. Court records indicate a defense attorney wasn’t available for his arraignment due to the bar advocate work stoppage.
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State Police previously said Saturday’s unauthorized parade began around 2 p.m., when a mass of bikers rode over the Zakim Bridge and into the O’Neill Tunnel on Interstate 93 south. The trooper who arrested Harrison was swarmed by motorcyclists and bicyclists when he attempted to block a ramp to I-93, according to court documents obtained by The Boston Globe.
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“They kept blocking me from passing by placing themselves in front of my cruiser, [brake] checking me, and [performing] stunts like standing on the motorcycle with one foot on the seat,” the trooper wrote in a report. “Other motorcyclists and [bicyclists] recorded the event on their phones.”
While chasing after a biker who collided with his cruiser near the intersection of Summer and D streets, the trooper saw Harrison riding a bicycle nearby and allegedly recognized him as one of the other riders who had performed stunts in front of his cruiser, the Globe reported. The trooper chased Harrison down, grabbed his shirt, and handcuffed him.
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Speaking to Boston 25 News, however, Harrison said he didn’t take part in the group’s highway jaunt, only joining them as they passed through the Seaport.
“I saw a bunch of bikers go up the Seaport bridge, and I was [like], ‘Oh, that looks like fun,’” Harrison told Boston 25. “I was not on the highway. I did not go into the tunnel at all. I’m a 22-year-old guy. I would not condone that at all. I think it’s stupid and it’s reckless to go on the highway.”
He also told the news outlet he didn’t realize police were pulling him over until the trooper grabbed his shirt.
“When I saw it was him, when I got pushed off my bike, I instantly put my hands behind my back and laid on the ground,” Harrison told Boston 25. “Didn’t put up a fight, didn’t start yelling, didn’t do anything. I let them do what they had to do.”
He added: “I have a full-time job. I don’t have a record at all. I’ve never gotten even a speeding ticket to my name before.”
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Harrison is due back in court Sept. 30.
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