HONOLULU -- Honolulu police said they want to avoid a clash with bicyclists during an upcoming Critical Mass Bike Ride after the last event was marred by an incident between an officer and a rider.

KITV's Catherine Cruz reported that police were caught by surprise last month when a large group of riders took over key roadways during Friday afternoon traffic.

The said they did not know if the ride was a publicity stunt or an act of civil disobedience.

In some cities where the event has taken on political overtones, things had the potential to get out of hand.

The 60 riders biking on the roadways during peak downtown traffic last month triggered a flood of phone calls to police.

"There were a lot of calls from motorists not knowing what was going on, why were so many on the road and slowing traffic," Honolulu Police Department Maj. Clayton Saito said.

The group of cyclists asserted their right to the road, took over multiple lanes at times and blocked traffic on King and Beretania streets.

In Waikiki, police said they confiscated some bikes and cited riders for unregistered bicycles.

While there was one arrest, the HPD said it wasn't for taking part in the ride.

"It was totally unrelated to the event. It was because of some warrants on another issue," Saito said.

An incident involving an officer falling into the path of an oncoming cyclist while he was citing a rider caused more friction between the riders and police.

The HPD said it doesn't want any friction from the last ride to carry over or escalate any possible disturbances this time.

"We want to preempt that by sitting down with them and telling them, 'Let's get the issues on the table and deal with it in a safe way,'" Saito said.

Officials said part of the problem is that Honolulu is not a very bike-friendly city, so motorist and cyclists have to learn to share the road.

A growing sense of frustration has caused many in the cycling community to fear a backlash from motorists.

The next Critical Mass Bike Ride is scheduled for a week from Friday.