MIAMI – Groups of Wheels Up Guns Down demonstrators took to the streets in their bicycles on Monday afternoon to mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Miami-Dade County.
Dozens of cyclists were riding near Interstate 95 northbound between Northwest 62 and 79 streets. Florida Highway Patrol troopers blocked the way and did not allow the group to ride on I-95.
Organizers of the nationwide event announced: “Today we ride for prosperity, for purpose. But most of all we ride for peace.”
The group of cyclists was riding northbound on Northwest Seventh Avenue at 125 Street at about 4:20 p.m., and at 146 Street by 4:30 p.m.
The group of riders later stopped near Florida Memorial University, a private historically Black university in Miami Gardens.
Law enforcement helicopters followed the group.
Miami-Dade police officers announced they would be watching the demonstration and warned of consequences for those who chose to ride in dirt bikes or four-wheelers.
Miami Gardens police officers followed another group from a distance.
Miami-Dade police said late Monday night that they had impounded two ATVs and eight motor or dirt bikes. A total of 58 felony arrests were made in addition to 11 misdemeanor arrests and three traffic arrests. Eleven firearms were recovered, including one rifle, and two stolen vehicles were also recovered.
More MLK Day related stories
More afternoon reports
5:30 p.m. report
Local 10 News Assignment Desk Editor Wilson Louis contributed to this report.