Utah Overpass Action is an all-volunteer group of Utahns that protest on freeway overpasses throughout the state to defend democracy and the rule of law.
We spread messages that protest DOGE's dismantling of the Federal government, advocate for the rule of law, and show solidarity with Utah's marginalized communities.
In doing so, we make the pro-democracy movement visible, bring public awareness to key issues, pressure lawmakers for reform, and inspire others to take civic action.
Anyone is welcome to join UOA overpass protests, so long as they are committed to non-violent protest. Our protests are regularly attended by people of all ages, races, religions, etc. Utah Overpass Action is a welcoming, inclusive, and safe space for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Yes! UOA protests are a family friendly environment, and families with children periodically attend UOA protests.
To join UOA or find out about upcoming protests, please email us at UtahOverpassAction@gmail.com.
As attested to by our amazing volunteers, overpass protests are fun, positive, and patriotic experiences! We play music, wave to drivers on the road, chat together, sometimes even dance! Overpass protests are a great way to meet friendly new people from a diversity of backgrounds, get some fresh air and exercise, and stand up for the country that we love!
Yes. UOA prioritizes the safety and security of its volunteers above all else. To this end, we carefully vet the safety of protest locations, selecting locations protected from traffic. We also take concrete steps to ensure volunteer safety in line with UOA's Safety Protocols. Lastly, to ensure the safety of all present, we also strictly request that volunteers do not bring firearms or other weapons to our protests.
According to UOA's thorough legal analysis of the Utah State Code and Salt Lake County Code of Ordinances, overpass protests ARE LEGAL, so long as several rules and regulations are adhered to.
For example, we ask UOA volunteers to strictly avoid blocking sidewalks or pedestrian bridges, walking in roads/traffic, hanging signs over overpass edges, causing damage to physical transit infrastructure, and leaving signage at the protest location. In doing so, we ensure that our protests are legal and safe.
We recommend that volunteers bring a hat, sunglasses, warm layers (if needed), water, and sunscreen. UOA provides large signs and banners, but volunteers are welcome to bring their own signs (provided they do no include profanity, threats, etc). Lastly, and most importantly, we encourage volunteers to bring their friends and family!
Volunteers are requested not to bring the following to UOA-organized protests:
Signs/banners with profanity or messages that could be construed as threatening (e.g. "86 47").
Weapons of any kind
Absolutely. Here are some ways that overpass protests make a meaningful impact:
Overpass protests increase public awareness of critical issues, particularly among those persons that don't follow politics or the news. Bringing attention to such issues is the first step in creating lasting reform.
Overpass protests put highly-visible public pressure on politicians and parties to pause, halt, or repeal legislation that hurts Americans and our system of governance.
Overpass protests show solidarity with marginalized populations at a time when such communities are increasing under threat from the far-right Republican agenda.
Overpass protests demonstrate the feasibility of "DIY" protest and inspire others to take action of their own. Similarly, overpass protests themselves serve as a space for further coalition building, organization, and action.