Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => On The Road => Topic started by: hellymedic on 25 July, 2016, 03:12:13 pm

Title: Bike Stormz
Post by: hellymedic on 25 July, 2016, 03:12:13 pm
http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/central-london-brought-to-standstill-by-horde-of-aggressive-cyclists-a3303496.html (http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/central-london-brought-to-standstill-by-horde-of-aggressive-cyclists-a3303496.html)

Seems a mob brought Central London to a halt on Saturday night.

In my grumpy opinion this is Not a Good Thing.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 25 July, 2016, 03:24:42 pm
Just looks like Critical Mass meets summer holidays to me; written up by predictably scareable "road safety campaigner".
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Pancho on 25 July, 2016, 03:29:13 pm
Well, the video on that page just showed an awful lot of people getting about on bikes. No need for grump. I didn't even see a "mob". Unless, say a traffic jam counts as a "mob". Sure, a few of them were pulling wheelies, and a few red lights may have gone unrespected - but overall, looked like a nice day.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Pancho on 25 July, 2016, 03:30:54 pm
Just looks like Critical Mass meets summer holidays to me; written up by predictably scareable "road safety campaigner".

It didn't appear to be the Critical Mass demographic. More POBs (of which I'm one - so it's not a derogatory term) than crusty cycle campaigners. Also young people. And black people.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 25 July, 2016, 03:36:01 pm
brought to a standstill? seemed to be a lot of people moving much faster than normal london transport speeds.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Pancho on 25 July, 2016, 03:39:54 pm
"They" (well, someone) has a website http://www.bikelife.tv/about-us/

Interesting. What a completely different take on bikes. Most unlike the cycle-lobbyists, sports riders, tourists, etc that I'm more used to. Different but good, I'd say.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Ruthie on 25 July, 2016, 03:46:26 pm
"Peddle bikes!"

 :facepalm:
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 25 July, 2016, 04:07:21 pm
"They" (well, someone) has a website http://www.bikelife.tv/about-us/

Interesting. What a completely different take on bikes. Most unlike the cycle-lobbyists, sports riders, tourists, etc that I'm more used to. Different but good, I'd say.
That seems to be motorbikes, Pancho.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 25 July, 2016, 04:08:03 pm
Just looks like Critical Mass meets summer holidays to me; written up by predictably scareable "road safety campaigner".

It didn't appear to be the Critical Mass demographic. More POBs (of which I'm one - so it's not a derogatory term) than crusty cycle campaigners. Also young people. And black people.
Yeah. Hence summer holidays!
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Pancho on 25 July, 2016, 04:16:01 pm
"They" (well, someone) has a website http://www.bikelife.tv/about-us/

Interesting. What a completely different take on bikes. Most unlike the cycle-lobbyists, sports riders, tourists, etc that I'm more used to. Different but good, I'd say.
That seems to be motorbikes, Pancho.

Go to their front page or news page - they don't seem to differentiate between motorbikes and peddle (sic) bikes. It's another difference when compared with sometimes puritanical and exclusive traditional cycling types.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Pancho on 25 July, 2016, 07:42:02 pm
I've been watching the videos of previous jaunts they've done: http://www.bikelife.tv/2016/06/22/bikestormz-3-rideout-wheelies-tricks-in-london-bikelife-tv/

Worth taking the time to watch. It is absolutely fantastic to see. An entire subset of cyclists - completely invisible to the likes of us. Of course they get people's backs up - they tick all the boxes: bloody cyclists, young, predominantly male, and ethnically diverse.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: ian on 25 July, 2016, 07:59:24 pm
I saw them on Saturday afternoon, they were gathered around Tower Bridge as I did a loop of London to kill some time before my wife's gig and later I joined them heading west along Victoria Embankment. There was a solitary PC cycling along with them. There were probably a couple of hundred kids going what kids on bikes do (pull wheelies, be a minor nuisance). Nothing was being brought a standstill and I'd hardly class them as an aggressive hoard.

Teenagers having fun on a sunny afternoon probably doesn't have the same Daily Mail fizzle, I suppose.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: marcusjb on 25 July, 2016, 08:15:43 pm
Amazing!

Love it. 

Modern bikes must be much easier to wheelie than when we were kids or something! 

A fascinating subculture.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 25 July, 2016, 08:19:15 pm
Looks like a fun bunch. I've never been able to so casually pop a wheel in the air (and keep it there).
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 26 July, 2016, 09:22:41 am
Looks like a fun bunch. I've never been able to so casually pop a wheel in the air (and keep it there).
This. More please.

The second sentence as well, but as marcus jb says that's entirely down to the march of technology. Erm, apparently.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Pancho on 26 July, 2016, 01:04:52 pm
In the Daily Mail, they are "aggressive youths" who brought "central London to a standstill". According to the DM, it was a "demonstration" which was "monitored by police".

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3707492/Aggressive-youths-bring-central-London-standstill-hundreds-cycling-protest.html

Don't read below the line unless you have a strong stomach and are not prone to high blood pressure.

Despite this being exactly the sort of thing that will, I'm sure, one day be used to justify testing, licensing, MOT-ing, tax-ing, etc for bikes[1], I still think it's fantastic to see.

[1] I'm not bothered as it won't effect me. I've decided to become a criminal if it ever happens.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 26 July, 2016, 01:07:55 pm
Despite this being exactly the sort of thing that will, I'm sure, one day be used to justify testing, licensing, MOT-ing, tax-ing, etc for bikes young people (those under 60)[1], I still think it's fantastic to see.

[1] I'm not bothered as it won't effect me. I've decided to become a criminal if it ever happens. It already has!
More like!  ;)
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: trekker12 on 26 July, 2016, 01:42:13 pm
From the Daily Mail*

CENTRAL LONDON BROUGHT TO STANDSTILL

This morning, between the hours of 07:30 and 09:00 and every morning and evening since any one can remember, central London was awash with bored, angry and frustrated grown ups who decided something simply had to be done. They blocked every London street within the North and South circular in a desperate plea to the new London mayor to let them get to work in a totally inefficient and selfish manner with no thoughts whatsoever of others around them.

There was even talk of many people using the same vehicle otherwise known as a bus or underground train in an attempt to avoid the carnage. At most risk however, were those who dared to go out in public untaxed, unlicensed and forced to wear skintight coloured clothing riding of all things bicycles.

A protestor driver said 'I mean I want to get to work in my own expensive car with no consideration of others and had to leave my house an hour earlier than those dangerous risk takers on bicycles just so I can wallow in my own self importance but I'm glad this protest commute means so much to so many people. It warms my heart to see them out here every day'.

*possibly
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Andrij on 26 July, 2016, 04:42:24 pm
 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: ian on 26 July, 2016, 08:25:07 pm
In the Daily Mail, they are "aggressive youths" who brought "central London to a standstill". According to the DM, it was a "demonstration" which was "monitored by police".

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3707492/Aggressive-youths-bring-central-London-standstill-hundreds-cycling-protest.html

Don't read below the line unless you have a strong stomach and are not prone to high blood pressure.

Despite this being exactly the sort of thing that will, I'm sure, one day be used to justify testing, licensing, MOT-ing, tax-ing, etc for bikes[1], I still think it's fantastic to see.

[1] I'm not bothered as it won't effect me. I've decided to become a criminal if it ever happens.

Well, I was just behind them where the pictures in the article were taken (on the Embankment). Firstly, there was very little traffic to bring to a standstill. Secondly, they were all in good spirits and having a bit of a laugh. Aggression? I wasn't exactly terrified.

Yeah, they were all over the place and a minor pain for people wanting to cross (and me, as I had to slow down and follow in their wake, thus delaying my ice cream by a minute or so) but you know, teensy little inconveniences, and mostly wouldn't we rather have teenagers out riding bikes rather than stuck at home or stabbing one another? I too thought it was great.

Mind you, Daily Mail readers are terrified of anyone under the age of 25.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 06 August, 2016, 01:48:46 pm
And now Birmingham.
http://road.cc/content/news/199994-100-young-cyclists-bring-traffic-halt-one-birminghams-busiest-roads
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/watch-driver-fury-100-cyclists-11704340

Driver fury? Cyclist outrage? Too much anger here! In fact, these kids should stop messing around on bikes, I mean, think of the children! Oh, that's them... (The green motocrosser's wheely looks a bit out of control though #i'manoldfarttoo)

Anyone seen Kim recently?
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: DrMekon on 06 August, 2016, 03:14:23 pm
Amazing!

Love it. 

Modern bikes must be much easier to wheelie than when we were kids or something! 

A fascinating subculture.
I learnt to wheelie 25 years ago and still can hold one for ages (but manuals are harder). The "modern" mtb geometry (long top tube, stubby stem, really short chain stays - <420mm on my 29+) make them super easy to wheelie. I can just wheelie my Madone and Domane too, but I look like even more of a bell end than Sagan
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Pancho on 06 August, 2016, 03:31:58 pm
I've never been able to wheelie. Or, rather, I've never really tried. I wonder if I could? A touring bike with butterfly bars is probably not the best machine, I suspect. Maybe I'll give it a bash next time I'm out. "YOLO", as young people seem to say these days (just before they do something really, really stupid).
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 06 August, 2016, 04:08:07 pm
Amazing!

Love it. 

Modern bikes must be much easier to wheelie than when we were kids or something! 

A fascinating subculture.
I learnt to wheelie 25 years ago and still can hold one for ages (but manuals are harder). The "modern" mtb geometry (long top tube, stubby stem, really short chain stays - <420mm on my 29+) make them super easy to wheelie. I can just wheelie my Madone and Domane too, but I look like even more of a bell end than Sagan
Manuals?
Urban dictionary is no help here, the best it has is:
Quote
4   
manual
To ride a bike with the front wheel off the ground. This term is also used in other sports with similar meaning.
That's a wheelie!
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Ashaman42 on 06 August, 2016, 04:22:34 pm
A wheelie is pedalling and a manual is coasting I believe.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 06 August, 2016, 05:10:22 pm
Quote
Mind you, Daily Mail readers are terrified of anyone under the age of 25.


..and really it's the Daily Mail readers who are the biggest threat to life, the universe and everything in it.  I've noticed that nobody I know ever started reading the DM until they were at least 45 and in possession of a mortgage.  They then say they only read it for the TV or whatever and it has no effect on them.  Then, slowly but surely, they begin to admire Ghengis Khan.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 06 August, 2016, 08:30:34 pm
I bet Genghis Khan never fretted about his yurt price getting cancer!
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Kim on 06 August, 2016, 10:11:59 pm
And now Birmingham.
http://road.cc/content/news/199994-100-young-cyclists-bring-traffic-halt-one-birminghams-busiest-roads
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/watch-driver-fury-100-cyclists-11704340

Driver fury? Cyclist outrage? Too much anger here! In fact, these kids should stop messing around on bikes, I mean, think of the children! Oh, that's them... (The green motocrosser's wheely looks a bit out of control though #i'manoldfarttoo)

Driver fury is one of the things that Birmingham excels at.  It's understandably a staple of the local press.

Kudos to the kids though, they appear to have exceeded the turnout for a typical Critical Mass (ironically, a fairly low fury event here) by an order of magnitude.


Quote
Anyone seen Kim recently?

Lying low in the north-west.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 08 August, 2016, 08:13:54 am
And now Birmingham.
http://road.cc/content/news/199994-100-young-cyclists-bring-traffic-halt-one-birminghams-busiest-roads
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/watch-driver-fury-100-cyclists-11704340

Driver fury? Cyclist outrage? Too much anger here! In fact, these kids should stop messing around on bikes, I mean, think of the children! Oh, that's them... (The green motocrosser's wheely looks a bit out of control though #i'manoldfarttoo)

Driver fury is one of the things that Birmingham excels at.  It's understandably a staple of the local press.

Kudos to the kids though, they appear to have exceeded the turnout for a typical Critical Mass (ironically, a fairly low fury event here) by an order of magnitude.
The difference in reporting between group and individual fury is striking: one furious driver is suffering from road rage and probably needs to see some sense, but when drivers en masse are furious it's clearly justified.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Phil W on 10 August, 2016, 03:49:36 pm
They were half naked, what as in weren't wearing their shirts.  Didn't look particularly aggressive and I bet it's near impossible to cross when cars drive down that road. Looks like higher volumes of people were moving down the road than normal rather than cars with one person in. Brilliant. 
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: spindrift on 07 November, 2016, 02:30:39 pm
London has been rocked to its foundations after more CHAOS N MAYHEM was caused by a MOB:

http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/moment-mob-of-youths-dodge-through-traffic-as-they-cause-chaos-in-central-london-a3388706.html



Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 07 November, 2016, 02:53:54 pm
I like how at about 54s the cars come to a standstill because two taxis have blocked each other. And the irony that one of them carries an advert for something called "Well Child".
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: ian on 07 November, 2016, 06:47:16 pm
I, for one, have never seen a black cab run a red light and block a junction. It just wouldn't happen.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: spindrift on 07 November, 2016, 08:48:11 pm
BEWILDERED SHOPPERS.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Jurek on 08 November, 2016, 07:28:46 am
This was filmed on October 22nd.
That's how newsworthy it is.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Jurek on 18 March, 2017, 03:55:46 pm
I was crossing Waterloo bridge (on foot) an hour or so ago and about thirty of these boys were wheelie-ing their way on the southbound side four or five abreast, causing untold delay and frustration to motorised traffic (never mind that the northbound side of the bridge was a car park on account of the Strand underpass being shut).
Fair play to them for getting out on a grey day and one which I deemed to be too windy to be arsed with taking the bike into Londres Centrale.
I fear that their antics may render one of them KSI'd - But, TBF, motorised traffic was behaving very cautiously around them. As you would.
And I scored a pair of shoes from Camper to add to the afternoon's entertainment  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Tickler1980 on 20 March, 2017, 08:22:16 am
http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/central-london-brought-to-standstill-by-horde-of-aggressive-cyclists-a3303496.html (http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/central-london-brought-to-standstill-by-horde-of-aggressive-cyclists-a3303496.html)

Seems a mob brought Central London to a halt on Saturday night.

In my grumpy opinion this is Not a Good Thing.

Mountain out of a molehill.....
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: spindrift on 06 January, 2018, 04:55:02 pm
Quote
Due to the behaviour of a large group of cyclists, a section 35 Anti-social Behaviour Act, 2014 Notice is in place for the southern half of the City until 19.00 Sunday 7 January 2018. Any actions deemed to cause harassment, alarm or distress may mean the seizure of cycles.

https://twitter.com/CityPolice/status/949656636326596608
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: spindrift on 06 January, 2018, 04:57:23 pm
Lurking round Tower Bridge, average age 15, a bit aggressive said a witness:

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DS3t9kWXcAEvP0M.jpg)
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: telstarbox on 06 January, 2018, 05:04:36 pm
I believe this is the lively lot whose presence at Critical Mass London leads to untold wailing and gnashing of teeth on the associated Facebook group.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: spindrift on 06 January, 2018, 05:41:12 pm
If you try to remonstrate they flank you: "Clever boys".
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: cygnet on 06 January, 2018, 10:56:35 pm
Personally, I sometimes get a wee bit wary; they can be intimidating (as large groups of people  behaving unorthodoxly can).

Then, I take a moment to remember that they are kids hanging around enjoying being on bikes. It's not as if there's a local park they can go and do the same in.

Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Andrij on 07 January, 2018, 02:27:03 am
I wonder if that's the same lot which can sometimes be found on Castle Baynard Street (CS3) practising wheelies and riding into oncoming cyclists.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: ian on 07 January, 2018, 06:11:10 pm
I believe it is. They can be mildly annoying but then they're teenagers, so mildly annoying is probably in the job description. There's probably worse stuff they can be doing and I doubt I was any better at that age. I rather they be doing wheelies on a bike then donuts in a car (which I suppose they might graduate to).
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Andrij on 07 January, 2018, 10:38:37 pm
Can't say I'm thrilled when they try to play chicken with me, but yes, there are worse things they could be doing.  And it is good to see kids on bikes.  Can't recall seeing anything like that 10 years ago.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: spindrift on 15 January, 2018, 02:14:41 pm
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bdu5ZxBgtCF/?taken-by=wheelie_kay

Strokes a Lambo. Personally, I wouldn't stroke a Lambo, but there we are.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfCtmzjpuZ4&t=137s
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 15 January, 2018, 02:54:39 pm
Those skills are SUPER MAD!!!!!! Now they need to work on the video editing.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 22 January, 2018, 12:20:55 pm
We've had this video before but it's just been put on the local nooze again so time for a reshare. It's as fun now as it always was.  :thumbsup: (Just don't ask me to do it myself!)
http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/cheddar-gorge-entirely-closed-police-1097817
The video is irrelevant to the article, which is about the Gorge being closed due to flooding, but hey!>>>
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Kim on 08 March, 2018, 08:21:52 pm
These guys are doing it wrong: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-43330195/swerve-the-car-footage-shows-dangers-of-stupid-game
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: arabella on 08 March, 2018, 09:08:59 pm
Isn't there a special word for when motorists do it wrong?  Y'know so the other motorists don't get tarred with the same brush?
Meanwhile, I was reminded that for some reason I've only ever cycled UP cheddar gorge, and never down. 
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 09 March, 2018, 08:31:12 am
These guys are doing it wrong: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-43330195/swerve-the-car-footage-shows-dangers-of-stupid-game
It would be virtually impossible for the car driver to avoid that boy wheelying straight at them. Unless they (the driver) stopped. Sure, the kid is being stupid, he's being (non-violently) aggressive, and he's legally in the wrong; but the driver is clearly applying the concept of legal rights over consideration for others. A kind of "It's my right to knock you off your bike because I'm right and you're wrong," (an attitude by no means exclusive to motorists, of course).
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 09 March, 2018, 08:33:13 am
Meanwhile, I was reminded that for some reason I've only ever cycled UP cheddar gorge, and never down.
Some people enjoy riding down it, particularly Feline otp who gets to do so at early o'clock due to her night shift (or used to), but in the daytime I've never found it an enjoyable descent, simply due to the amount of tourist traffic. The Gorge itself is still a pretty impressive sight, of course.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: telstarbox on 09 March, 2018, 11:00:13 am
Last weekend City of London Police obtained a Section 35 Dispersal Order to prevent Bikestormz (or similar), particularly in the Blackfriars tunnel on CS3.

Quote
We have implemented a Section 35 Dispersal Order across the City to prevent the congregation of groups of youths on bicycles who have been causing considerable anti-social behaviour over the last few weeks.

The Dispersal Order is in place from 7am Saturday 3rd March and will end 7am Monday 5th March.

A Dispersal Order provides the police with powers to dispense individuals in order to remove or reduce the likelihood of members of the public becoming “harassed, alarmed or distressed” or “the occurrence of crime or disorder” in a particular area. Officers can direct people to leave the area and not return for up to 48 hours.

​We'd like to thank the local community for their patience and assistance​.​

https://www.cityoflondon.police.uk/advice-and-support/antisocial-behaviour/Pages/Section-35-Dispersal-Order-.aspx
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: cygnet on 09 March, 2018, 11:51:12 am
I don't go that way at the weekend, is it a particular problem then?
(Haven't seen them around at all for about 3 weeks, the lads who I had a brief conversation with last time I saw them were exceedingly polite)
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: ian on 09 March, 2018, 12:09:04 pm
I'd say yes, it's often a big grouping and they like blocking the road and while not actively aggressive, they do the 'hilarious' getting in the way thing or 'chicken wheelying' right at you, and given you're stuck effectively in a tunnel filled with a couple of dozen surly, adolescent males (I've yet to see a female), it can be intimidating, more so I suspect if you're not a bloke with a skinhead.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: telstarbox on 09 March, 2018, 01:03:47 pm
Folk on the Critical Mass London Facebook group have made similar comments to Ian.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: handcyclist on 09 March, 2018, 01:20:14 pm
These guys are doing it wrong: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-43330195/swerve-the-car-footage-shows-dangers-of-stupid-game
It would be virtually impossible for the car driver to avoid that boy wheelying straight at them. Unless they (the driver) stopped. Sure, the kid is being stupid, he's being (non-violently) aggressive, and he's legally in the wrong; but the driver is clearly applying the concept of legal rights over consideration for others. A kind of "It's my right to knock you off your bike because I'm right and you're wrong," (an attitude by no means exclusive to motorists, of course).

It's a poor video, but the driver does move to his right to try and avoid kid. Kid immediately jinks to his left, collision. I think you're being harsh.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 09 March, 2018, 04:13:54 pm
Really? If you were driving along the road and coming straight towards you, you saw someone on the wrong side of the road, clearly out of control and equally clearly driving in a very stupid way, so that you're going to have a head-on collision, would you carry on driving as before? A last second swerve is not going to avoid a collision (even if you manage to swerve the right way).
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: handcyclist on 09 March, 2018, 08:08:18 pm
Yes really. Believe it or not, most car drivers don't want to hit anything.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 10 March, 2018, 12:22:51 pm
Somewhere or other there's a video of a similar bunch of teenage loons "drift triking" down Cheddar Gorge. All the cars coming up the Gorge stop and no one hits anything (IIRC a couple of the drift trikers capsize and hit each other, but no collisions with cars). If the drivers had carried on driving their cars up the Gorge, I expect that wouldn't have been the case.

As it is, in the wheelying case, I'd say most of the fault lies with the kid on the bike but most of the responsibility lies with the adult driving the car.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: spindrift on 07 April, 2018, 11:41:52 am
Big gathering on Tower Bridge today, maybe 2000 riders: "Bikes Not Knives"
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: spindrift on 07 April, 2018, 11:43:51 am
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DaK3StSXkAEJ2G1.jpg)
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Kim on 07 April, 2018, 01:33:00 pm
Good article about that here:  http://www.huckmagazine.com/ride/bikes/bikestormz-movement-cycling-bikelife-survival-london/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHBm9Qknn_A
https://youtu.be/ZHBm9Qknn_A
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: handcyclist on 07 April, 2018, 09:44:46 pm
Somewhere or other there's a video of a similar bunch of teenage loons "drift triking" down Cheddar Gorge......etc

I've seen it. In terms of time to react/reading of the situation I don't think the two compare - who knows what the driver of the car in the wheelie case thought about this large gang of kids approaching - but I don't think we'll gain anything by arguing further. Agree to differ on this one.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: spindrift on 07 April, 2018, 10:55:54 pm
Maybe the largest youth protest in London for years, BBC reported the ride briefly then interviewed prime gammon who shrieked "They did wheelies and the police did nothing!"
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: spindrift on 08 April, 2018, 11:46:05 am
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DaP4Va0W4AAC76r.jpg)

I WISH I could do wheelies. Sigh.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 08 April, 2018, 05:52:28 pm
Good article about that here:  http://www.huckmagazine.com/ride/bikes/bikestormz-movement-cycling-bikelife-survival-london/
That's awesome. Reading that has altered my attitude towards them.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Kim on 08 April, 2018, 05:54:33 pm
Good article about that here:  http://www.huckmagazine.com/ride/bikes/bikestormz-movement-cycling-bikelife-survival-london/
That's awesome. Reading that has altered my attitude towards them.

Absolutely.

And it seems to me that if motorists are being slowed down by kids mucking about on bikes, that seems infinitely preferable to either  a) knife crime  or  b) motorists crashing into people at speed.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: spindrift on 08 April, 2018, 07:47:14 pm
Anyone know what make the copper's bike is?
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Martin on 09 April, 2018, 10:35:13 pm
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DaP4Va0W4AAC76r.jpg)

I WISH I could do wheelies. Sigh.

I've ridden up Sa Calobra in Mallorca behind a young rider doing that a lot;

makes you feel old; when I was that age riding 7 miles uphill back from a friends on a 5 speed racer was a challenge.

I'm in the "let them have their fun" camp

Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: SoreTween on 10 April, 2018, 09:44:46 pm
Good article,thanks  :thumbsup:
Every generation finds their danger / belonging thrill.  Some are offensive, mods vs skinheads, gang culture, out nicking cars every Saturday night etc. This one is not unique in that the participant is the one most likely injured, for mine it was BMX.  In my generation any attempt to harness that energy to make a positive point would have been laughed out of town both by my peers and the greater community.
Funny thing is from the look of it I'd be less scared out with them trying to wheelie (falling on my arse every time) and weaving through cars than I would driving a car the other way.  The mental knee jerk is to criticise because I can see the intimidation from the drivers POV, most of them cannot.  Yet they are trying to do good. People were intimidated by our antics on bikes when we were kids. People are intimidated by knock down ginger. So long as an individual isn't targetted and harassed or intimidated so often by unconnected individuals it becomes harassment I think I'm with the young 'uns on this.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 13 April, 2018, 11:37:41 am
Bike Stormz, knife crime and political disengagement:
Quote
Given the propensity of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to disengage, the #Bikestormz protests are surprising. They illustrate the desperation that many such young people must be feeling about the crime scarring their neighbourhoods – and their determination to change things.
https://theconversation.com/bikestormz-politicians-take-note-young-people-will-stand-against-unfairness-94697
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: spindrift on 11 August, 2018, 03:07:48 pm
Gathered at Southwark Park today:

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DkUT_eWX4AAl6l1.jpg)

https://twitter.com/pjtwatts/status/1028276194603671552
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: spindrift on 11 August, 2018, 03:09:48 pm
Nice to see black cabbies entering into the spirit:

Cab

 
@JohnCab17
 19m19 minutes ago
More
Replying to @TfLTrafficNews
Quote
Thanks. But any chance u getting police to do something bout these feral pricks so hard working law abiding people can get on with there day #bikestormz
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Kim on 11 August, 2018, 08:32:10 pm
Made the Beeb front page, with the dubious headline: 'Hundreds' of young cyclists in traffic jam (https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-45155400)
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 11 August, 2018, 09:40:03 pm
Counting bikes is a bit like ancient Greek: one, two, four, lots, hundreds. And if there are ten people on bikes and ten people in ten cars all stationary, it's because the bikes are stealing road space.

TBH I wouldn't like to guess how many bikes are on that video. What's your guess? At least BBC indicated the dubious figure with 'quotes'.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Andrij on 11 August, 2018, 09:46:52 pm
Nice to see black cabbies entering into the spirit:

@JohnCab17
 19m19 minutes ago
More
Replying to @TfLTrafficNews
Quote
Thanks. But any chance u getting police to do something bout these feral pricks so hard working law abiding people can get on with there day #bikestormz

So nice to see cabbies thinking of people other than themselves.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 12 August, 2018, 11:04:41 pm
"How 3,000 teenagers are trying to combat London's knife crime"
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-45157728
Title: Should London Cycling Campaign / Cycling UK embrace this?
Post by: Philip Benstead on 13 August, 2018, 12:43:20 pm
Should London Cycling Campaign / Cycling UK embrace this?

Before The Storm

https://vimeo.com/284155117

Title: Re: Should London Cycling Campaign / Cycling UK embrace this?
Post by: Jurek on 13 August, 2018, 01:12:03 pm
I'm not sure,why you are asking the question, Philip.
My understanding is that these guys are protesting about the use of guns and knives.
Where exactly does that fit in with either of the cycling organisations you've referred to?
Title: Re: Should London Cycling Campaign / Cycling UK embrace this?
Post by: Gattopardo on 13 August, 2018, 01:13:57 pm
I'm not sure,why you are asking the question, Philip.
My understanding is that these guys are protesting about the use of guns and knives.
Where exactly does that fit in with either of the cycling organisations you've referred to?

Don't you carry a knife?

I have one on my multitool.
Title: Re: Should London Cycling Campaign / Cycling UK embrace this?
Post by: bludger on 13 August, 2018, 01:15:10 pm
They are trying to drive youths to embrace getting out and about, using bikes. It isn't "a protest about knives."

It is a good fit for BC and CUK, which seriously need an inclusivity shot in the arm. Cycling isn't just about jolly holidays and olympic podiums.

https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-lebron-james-interview-about-bicycles-1533561787

https://www.reddit.com/r/bicycleculture/comments/955ree/the_lebron_james_interview_about_bicycles/e3q9o5h/
Title: Re: Should London Cycling Campaign / Cycling UK embrace this?
Post by: fuaran on 13 August, 2018, 01:19:43 pm
If Cycling UK endorsed it, it would become very uncool. So the young people would find something else to do instead.
Title: Re: Should London Cycling Campaign / Cycling UK embrace this?
Post by: bludger on 13 August, 2018, 01:20:05 pm
Rubbish.
Title: Re: Should London Cycling Campaign / Cycling UK embrace this?
Post by: Kim on 13 August, 2018, 01:21:01 pm
Cycling isn't just about jolly holidays and olympic podiums.

No, it's about commuting, obviously.   :facepalm:
Title: Re: Should London Cycling Campaign / Cycling UK embrace this?
Post by: Jurek on 13 August, 2018, 01:26:31 pm
I obvs misinterpreted the 'Knives down / Bikes up' slogan which appears on their stickers.

I agree with fuaran's take on it. If either of the two cycling organisations were to endorse it, it would lose its unique cachet.
Title: Re: Should London Cycling Campaign / Cycling UK embrace this?
Post by: Philip Benstead on 13 August, 2018, 01:27:36 pm
https://www.cyclinguk.org/sites/default/files/document/2017/10/2017_05_13_mem_arts_approved_at_agm.pdf

CYCLING UK
4. OBJECTS
The Objects of the Charity are to:
4.1 promote community participation in healthy recreation by promoting the
amateur sport of cycling, cycle touring and associated amateur sports;
4.2 preserve and protect the health and safety of the public by encouraging
and facilitating cycling and the safety of cyclists;
4.3 advance education by whatever means the trustees think fit, including the
provision of cycling, training and educational activities related to cycling;
and
4.4 promote the conservation and protection of the environment.
Title: Re: Should London Cycling Campaign / Cycling UK embrace this?
Post by: bludger on 13 August, 2018, 01:28:14 pm
Perhaps then it is the organisations who need to change instead of swerving cycling activities that don't fit in with being middle class or above, then.

When you're in a rough area a bike is a real life saver, it means you can more easily swerve rough patches and easily get out and do productive activities. This is about prevention not cure.

The organisers would be grateful for funding and promotion for their events I don't see any good reason to think someone would be put off by a "supported by Cycling UK" footnote at the bottom of an event webpage.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Philip Benstead on 13 August, 2018, 01:56:38 pm
https://s3.amazonaws.com/lcc_production_bucket/files/10663/original.pdf?1464094500
LCC
3. Objects of the Company
3.1 The objects for which the Company is established are:-
to promote cycling for the public benefit in the United Kingdom as a means of
furthering the following charitable purposes:
3.1.1 the promotion of public health,
3.1.2 the promotion of healthy recreation in the interests of social welfare,
3.1.3 the promotion of public safety, particularly on the highways,
3.1.4 the relief of the needs of people with mental and physical disabilities,
3.1.5 the promotion of the conservation and protection of the environment and
3.1.6 the advancement of education
by whatever means the Board think fit, including the provision of cycling facilities,
services, training, educational activities, and lobbying and campaigning in matters
relating to cycling and other forms of transport.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: bludger on 13 August, 2018, 02:02:01 pm
Not really seeing any contradiction here.

3.1.2 the promotion of healthy recreation in the interests of social welfare

Yep.

If we're going to get anywhere with changing this country's motorist-first culture it has to start with outreach from CUK/BC to new blood. Just going "that isn't us" is short sighted and exactly what the anti-cycling lobby wants.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: teethgrinder on 13 August, 2018, 02:57:03 pm
We won't stop it.
Looks to me like they're doing a lot of good but not in the best way.
3.1.6 Perhaps try and get facilities for their skills practice so they have something better (for them) and a safe place to go. Encouraging them to cycle within the law to get around (as they seem to want to) looks like the way to go too.

I saw a few at London Bridge station on Saturday. Probably went a bit off the route of the main bunch. The only thing they did that might be considered wrong was pull a wheelie.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 13 August, 2018, 02:59:16 pm
It can fit in with the objectives but that doesn't mean it fits in with the organisational ethos. Any organisational ethos. Fuaran is right. It's about bikes and it's about knives but it's also, clearly, about doing these things in a slightly anti-society (as opposed to anti-social) way. It's sticking a finger to the man in the black cab (not just the driver). Teenage immortality and wisdom. CUK might want them but they don't want CUK.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: teethgrinder on 13 August, 2018, 03:16:26 pm
It can fit in with the objectives but that doesn't mean it fits in with the organisational ethos. Any organisational ethos. Fuaran is right. It's about bikes and it's about knives but it's also, clearly, about doing these things in a slightly anti-society (as opposed to anti-social) way. It's sticking a finger to the man in the black cab (not just the driver). Teenage immortality and wisdom. CUK might want them but they don't want CUK.

I agree.
I just think that offering them something to make it better for them would make them feel that they are a part of society, so wouldn't feel like fighting against it.
Give them a workshop/cafe, job opportunities to fix bikes for good causes as well as their own bikes and somewhere to hang out. Otherwise we just push them aside and refuse them a place in society.
They sure won't change for the better just because we ask them to. I'd expect them to up the anti. They seem pretty harmless as they are now.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: bludger on 13 August, 2018, 03:20:08 pm
Frankly I see worse behaviour than wheelie pulling on many audax rides, including blatant light jumping and openly urinating in park bushes. Anyone else do A Catholic Education? it was a minority but that is no way to represent our community when they're tolerating a hundred cyclists in what amounts to their garden in St Peter's Square. It was only a quid to buy a coffee and use the toilet in the caf round the corner FFS.

I expect if any of these Bike Stormz riders pulled stunts like that there'd be calls to read the riot act, because they're wearing snapback hats instead of lycra.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: DuncanM on 13 August, 2018, 03:25:54 pm
This has much more info on the culture, including the place where bike fixing happens:
https://www.huckmag.com/outdoor/bikes/bikestormz-movement-cycling-bikelife-survival-london/

While it would be great to use it as a tool to empower people, there's a massive risk of being seen as a grownup showing up at their party and trying to impose some sort of order on them. I don't think it's possible to take something that is clearly a ground-up movement and drop a top down organisation on the top of it. You'd probably get much further by getting RedBull or someone to sponsor it. :)
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: ian on 13 August, 2018, 03:31:11 pm
I think that when were teens bombing around on our BMXs we would have completely resistant to any kind of adult involvement, sanction, or supervision. We were teens after all.

Cycling organisations might better spend their time and effort lobbying governments to set policies that make cycling an inclusive and reasonable activity for all rather than trying to latch onto causes that are unlikely to appreciate their involvement.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: madcow on 16 August, 2018, 04:32:16 pm
It can fit in with the objectives but that doesn't mean it fits in with the organisational ethos. Any organisational ethos. Fuaran is right. It's about bikes and it's about knives but it's also, clearly, about doing these things in a slightly anti-society (as opposed to anti-social) way. It's sticking a finger to the man in the black cab (not just the driver). Teenage immortality and wisdom. CUK might want them but they don't want CUK.

I agree.
I just think that offering them something to make it better for them would make them feel that they are a part of society, so wouldn't feel like fighting against it.
Give them a workshop/cafe, job opportunities to fix bikes for good causes as well as their own bikes and somewhere to hang out. Otherwise we just push them aside and refuse them a place in society.
They sure won't change for the better just because we ask them to. I'd expect them to up the anti. They seem pretty harmless as they are now.

Spot on, TG. This is grassroots stuff. Don’t stifle them , just channel the energy and enthusiasm.
They have taken up bikes to shun the knife culture that’s a pretty good start and they should be applauded not lambasted.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: spindrift on 22 December, 2018, 05:25:43 pm
#Bikestormz tearing up oxford street:

https://twitter.com/mummybhabar/status/1076481434985074689
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 22 December, 2018, 05:30:48 pm
Isn't Oxford Street pathetic? The premier shopping destination in Europe's largest city and it looks like a small town in Eastern Europe circa 1985.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Kim on 22 December, 2018, 05:47:55 pm
Clogged full of buses, with people squeezing through on bicycles, it looks a lot like the centre of Oxford.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Andrij on 22 December, 2018, 05:58:15 pm
Clogged full of buses, with people squeezing through on bicycles, it looks a lot like the centre of Oxford.

But I assume Oxford doesn't also have loads of back cabs.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Kim on 22 December, 2018, 05:59:41 pm
Clogged full of buses, with people squeezing through on bicycles, it looks a lot like the centre of Oxford.

But I assume Oxford doesn't also have loads of back cabs.

It's only a matter of time.  Those things are like the paperclip maximiser.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 22 December, 2018, 06:09:53 pm
A quick google indicates that most cabs in Oxford are black and at least some of them are "black cab" design.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: spindrift on 23 December, 2018, 11:40:30 am
Quote
As more young riders fill the street, Ferrari climbs on to a wall and yells over the masses of people. He says this event is especially emotional as he recently lost a friend and fellow BikeStormz rider in a motorcycle accident.
“We’re breaking the stereotype every single day. Today there is no beef, no knives, no guns, no robbery. I want you all to be proud of yourselves, no matter what anyone tells you.”
The crowd shouts back: “BikeStormz.”

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/dec/23/bikestormz-riders-saddle-up-to-protest-against-knife-crime-london
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: spindrift on 23 December, 2018, 11:45:08 am
God bless them, but in all those photos there is not one single mudguard.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 12 January, 2019, 03:24:24 pm
Teenagers in Liverpool too.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-merseyside-46784360/liverpool-cycling-teenagers-combat-merseyside-knife-crime
https://road.cc/content/news/254512-gangs-lads-bikes-liverpool-are-just-out-bike-ride
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 16 January, 2019, 08:22:28 pm
And Bristol:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-england-bristol-46837223/can-wheelies-keep-kids-away-from-knives
Admire one of our newest and silliest cycle lanes! When he's talking to the policeman – it's a vaguely delineated strip of what is otherwise a pedestrian zone.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: FifeingEejit on 16 January, 2019, 08:46:36 pm
A wheelie is pedalling and a manual is coasting I believe.

https://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/news/article/how-to-manual-32187/

"The difference between the two comes in the way you pop and maintain the height of your front wheel. A wheelie involves pedalling to keep the front wheel up,  whereas a manual is both initiated and maintained by shifting your bodyweight – no pedalling involved. "

Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: spindrift on 19 May, 2019, 09:35:03 am
Some sort of ride in Boldmere and old bill sent out a freaking helicopter:

https://twitter.com/BoldmerePaul/status/1129727783813505027




Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Peat on 19 May, 2019, 10:00:27 am
"Cyclists" :facepalm:
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: ian on 20 May, 2019, 10:06:45 am
Some sort of ride in Boldmere and old bill sent out a freaking helicopter:

https://twitter.com/BoldmerePaul/status/1129727783813505027

We should remember this the next time the police say they've 'no resources.' If only more criminals would ride a bike.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: spindrift on 20 May, 2019, 02:37:19 pm
Carnage in Brum:

Quote
bring city centre to a standstill

Quote
frightening sight of the young bikers performing wheelies and riding slowly

Quote
Members of the public looked on in amazement

https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/watch-convoy-cyclists-bring-city-16297832?fbclid=IwAR2ZmBObkxBLCxjnNeM-Ny3ma2Dw0HngpsrPZn5gkHxh2HQ3A2Rjw4YHvkA

Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Kim on 20 May, 2019, 07:00:46 pm
That *is* impressive -  it's almost impossible to get to Corporation Street by bike.

(Normally it's the taxi drivers bringing the city to a standstill, as they've been protesting over the impending low-emissions zone.)
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Pingu on 21 May, 2019, 08:52:40 am
...frightening sight of the young bikers ... riding slowly...

 :o
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 21 May, 2019, 09:03:32 am
"Bikers" as in "Hell's Angels"?
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: spindrift on 01 June, 2019, 09:25:51 pm
The most bemused copper in Christendom:



https://twitter.com/MPSBoroughBank/status/1134776675508654082
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: bludger on 01 June, 2019, 09:53:58 pm
Quote
"CCTV is being reviewed and investigations are ongoing in relation to any criminal damage."

Give me a fucking break. A few weeks ago a motorist veered into me deliberately, pinning me to the kerb, screaming that he was going to kill me. I registered it with the police and they did fuck all.

A couple of kids 'riding slowly' and damaging a few cars (sounds like bollocks to me), sound the fucking alarm and call a helicopter. Jesus wept.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: ian on 01 June, 2019, 10:36:30 pm
Quote
"CCTV is being reviewed and investigations are ongoing in relation to any criminal damage."

Give me a fucking break. A few weeks ago a motorist veered into me deliberately, pinning me to the kerb, screaming that he was going to kill me. I registered it with the police and they did fuck all.

A couple of kids 'riding slowly' and damaging a few cars (sounds like bollocks to me), sound the fucking alarm and call a helicopter. Jesus wept.

Indeed. An organization that institutionally ignores all road crime. Unless there's a suggest the perps may be on push bikes in which case, cancel all holidays and prep the helicopters.
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 13 May, 2021, 10:02:28 am
A bike project opening up locally aimed at young people, to not only keep their bikes and riding safe but help them "socialise and reconnect  with peers and their community via an activity that is meaningful and relevant for them, after a year of reduced or no social contact."
Quote
The project also hopes to mitigate anti-social behaviour
https://www.bristol247.com/news-and-features/features/new-project-changing-perceptions-of-young-people-riding-bikes-in-south-bristol/
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 31 May, 2021, 06:01:12 pm
Kidz are okay at this, but to make real bike stormz it takes adultz.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1398790228400230400

https://road.cc/content/news/cycling-protesters-liberate-auckland-bridge-283727
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Kim on 20 June, 2021, 08:53:17 pm
From the department of we're-not-the-Met: https://road.cc/content/news/city-london-police-play-down-bike-storming-complaints-284213
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: spindrift1 on 25 July, 2021, 05:47:27 pm
Black cabbie gets her mobile phone out to prove how dangerous the riders are:

https://mobile.twitter.com/cabgirle/status/1418925257289830402

Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 25 July, 2021, 06:03:02 pm
Interesting to see a GSD or similar with adult and kid and voluminous panniers among them. Not quite the usual Bike Stomz demographic!
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: quixoticgeek on 25 July, 2021, 06:11:13 pm

The people from PedalMe were there as well with film crews on the cargobikes and trailers, filming the ride.

J
Title: Re: Bike Stormz
Post by: spindrift1 on 25 July, 2021, 06:53:29 pm
Some great photos here:

https://mobile.twitter.com/MarcDavenant/status/1419046574932566024