Manteca Police are asking organizers of mass bicycle rides — consisting primarily of tween and teen boys — to contact them in order to have a “meaningful dialogue.”

The request that included Modesto Police Department drone footage of a Jan. 23 group bike ride in that city involving more than 300 bicyclists that gathered at a park before heading out onto the streets was posted Monday on the City of Manteca’s Facebook page. Modesto Police during the Jan. 23 ride arrested five, cited 14 and seized 19 bicycles for a long list of law violations.

Manteca Police indicated they have observed that many people in the large group rides are ignoring traffic laws, the rules of the road, and common courtesy. They are not stopping at stop signs or red traffic signals, dangerously blocking or impeding vehicles, taking over multiple lanes of the roadway (including riding against the flow of traffic), and failing to wear helmets (which are legally required for anyone under 18 years of age). Police added the “behavior is extremely dangerous.”

Police noted in recent months they have fielded more than 40 calls regarding issues with group rides in Manteca.

Organizers are being asked to contact Sgt. Gregg Beall at (209) 456-8164 to discuss the proper way to conduct such rides.

The police warned “if bicyclists continue to ignore the law while riding police officers can and will increase ticketing and other enforcement measures.”

The public is being asked if they observe a large bicycle group breaking traffic laws or creating a public hazard in Manteca, to call Manteca Police Dispatch at (209) 456-8101.

Police indicated they will continue to monitor these mass gatherings of bicyclists.