Smerconish crosses bridge in back of cop car

Michael Smerconish rode 65 miles on a bicycle in Saturday's heat to raise money for police charities.

» READ MORE: But it was the author and radio host's short ride over the Ben Franklin Bridge in the backseat of a Camden Police car that kept some people talking.

Smerconish argued with the Delaware River Port Authority that the Tour de Shore riders, about 800, "in a 65 mile trek for police charities . . . should be allowed to ride on the bridge where cars travel and not "funneled into a bike path," he told us by e-mail over the weekend. The DRPA disagreed and before things got worse, a Camden police officer intervened and drove Smerconish over the bridge with his bike in the trunk.

The Big Talker 1210 AM host and columnist for the Daily News and Inquirer  joined back up with the ride. The 21st annual event raised $150,000 for police charities including the Daniel Faulkner Educational Grant Fund, the Hero Thrill Show and the Philadelphia Police Survivors Fund. Riders traveled from the Irish Pub (20th & Walnut) to the Irish Pub in A.C.