Video: Bicyclists Joyride On LA Freeways During Rush Hour

LOS ANGELES, CA — Call it deathwish 101: Authorities this week are responding to a series of videos showing bicyclists riding along the middle of the Hollywood (101) Freeway and the Harbor (110) Freeway in Downtown Los Angeles.

The videos captured by bewildered passersby show two young men popping wheelies on the 101 Freeway Thursday and another man pedaling as cars whiz by on either side of him on the 110 Freeway Monday. The bikers appear oblivious to the danger around them.

And they are definitely in danger according to the California Highway Patrol.

So far this year, authorities have responded to five fatalities involving pedestrians on Downtown freeways, said CHP Officer Roberto Gomez. Two pedestrians were killed on Los Angeles freeways just last week. A man was struck and killed while walking on the 105 Freeway, and another man was struck by six cars, killing him as he walked on the 10 Freeway near Western Avenue.

The dangerous trend of cyclists and pedestrians on busy freeways is a growing problem in Los Angeles.

“Last year we responded to 1,200 calls for pedestrians on the freeway,” Gomez said. “Unfortunately, we get numerous calls daily for individuals on the freeway.”

The problem seems to be exacerbated by LA’s homeless crisis. As more and more encampments pop up along freeways, officers increasingly respond to reports of people walking on the freeway, said Gomez. Most of the 1,200 freeway pedestrians were transients, he said.

As for the men popping wheelies in downtown freeway traffic, they're risking arrest along with their lives.

“First and foremost it’s not safe,” said CHP Officer Chris Baldonado. “It is a crime. It’s a failure to obey a regulatory sign.”

Onramps to California freeways have signs warning pedestrians to stay off the freeway. If the rogue riders are found, they could face a $1,000 fine or six months in jail.

Drivers can do their part to keep people safe on LA freeways, according to the CHP. Call 9-1-1 to report pedestrians and never driver while distracted.