Marshawn Lynch leads massive Oakland bike parade

Marshawn Lynch is back in his native Oakland, and he isn't afraid to flaunt it.

The star running back and Cal graduate led a massive parade of bicyclists through the streets of Oakland on Saturday afternoon.

SFGATE producer Katie Dowd witnessed the exuberant affair and reported that Lynch rode at the front, holding on the driver's side window of a white van as he peddled. Approximately 300 to 400 riders trailed behind with four or five cop cars holding up the rear, their lights flashing.

Hundreds of cyclists trailed Marshawn Lynch down the streets of Oakland and Berkeley on Saturday, May 20. Hundreds of cyclists trailed Marshawn Lynch down the streets of Oakland and Berkeley on Saturday, May 20. Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Marshawn Lynch leads massive Oakland bike parade 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

The parade appeared to begin at Oakland Tech High School and meander down College Avenue through Berkeley. There were smiles aplenty – on the faces of both the riders and spectators, many of whom were armed with cellphones to snap photos. One man apparently drove up from Stockton just to participate.

In April, Lynch signed a contract with the Oakland Raiders, a deal that will bring the athlete out of retirement. It's a sweet parting gift for fans of the Raiders; the team is set to move to Las Vegas in 2020.

SFGATE producer Katie Dowd contributed to this story.

Read Michelle Robertson’s latest stories and send her news tips at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com.