INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — About 500 Flock cameras monitor Indianapolis streets, prompting a group of more than 60 cyclists to take action Sunday.

The group rode 7 miles to Monument Circle, passing several cameras to warn the public about what they describe as massive surveillance. The two-hour ride began at 6 p.m. at Garfield Park, ending in the heart of downtown.

“Really the goal was to raise awareness and to educate people. No physical damage, just taking up space and keeping people educated,” Fred Miller said, the activist who organized the bike tour.

Flock cameras automatically read license plates and vehicle details on public and private properties. The system then records that footage in a nationwide database.

“My view is that its warrantless surveillance,” one biker who asked to remain anonymous said. “You used to get a warrant on people’s phone but with Flock cameras no one is safe from surveillance.”

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officials said the technology helps find suspects and solve crimes. However, the system faced scrutiny earlier this month after an IMPD officer was suspended for misusing the cameras for personal reasons.

Now, activists want stronger regulations and more transparency regarding the data the cameras store.

“Flock cameras could say a judge is going to get a judge logged in… and create a warrant in their system that gives access to a license plate, name, address, a location that then police can use to search,” Miller said.

Although Miller is critical of how the cameras are misused, he opposes vandalism. He said when cameras are destroyed, taxpayers must pay for replacements.

Miller said more bike tours will happen to help spread the word.

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