Bikers ride out in London in a stand against knife crime

BikeStormz 2021 — Last month, young riders from all across the UK came together to show off their bikes and skills as part of a powerful protest movement. Photographer Benjamin Brooks was on hand to capture the action.

After a slight delay due to Covid-19 restrictions and the looming threat of a rainstorm, this year’s BikeStormz went ahead on the 24th of July with around 2,500 people taking part. The ride out started and ended at South London’s Southwark Park with a 15-mile ride around London.

Since its beginning back in 2015, BikeStormz has flourished into a powerful protest movement against knife crime. Orchestrated by co-founders Mac Ferrari Guy and Jake O’Neill – both avid riders themselves – BikeStormz supports talented riders while facilitating sponsorship, offering workshops and organising annual ride outs through central London. 

Young riders came from all across the UK: groups of friends, families and strangers, from diverse backgrounds, gathered together to show off their bikes and skills. The love, respect and admiration towards the BikeStormz founders, and the ‘big name’ riders alike, was palpable. 

Co-founder Mac’s natural affinity with the young riders was obvious, the power of his presence was felt both in his casual conversations and in his speeches. Mac spoke about the significance of everyone coming together over a shared passion in something seemingly as simple as bikes. Bikes were the ice breaker, bonding everyone together. Mac asked the audience to put their hand up if they had ever been chased by someone with a knife – a flood of hands were raised. 

The power of sharing a common purpose, and of taking a stand against knife crime, was emphasised by all of the older brothers and fathers accompanying the younger riders, forming a beautiful show of intergenerational solidarity. It’s clear that the founders and all of those associated with BikeStormz have struck that beautiful balance between pushing a simple love for riding while elevating the physical, mental and social benefits sport has to offer young people.

Follow Benjamin Brooks on Instagram.

Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

 


You might like

A man with long curly hair and a beard wearing a green jacket against a dark blue background with "Analogue Appreciation" text in yellow.
Music

Analogue Appreciation: Joe Armon-Jones

All The Quiet (Part II) — In an ever more digital, online world, we ask our favourite artists about their most cherished pieces of physical culture. Today, it’s keyboardist, producer and Ezra Collective member Joe Armon-Jones.

Written by: Joe Armon-Jones

Colourful collage of album covers and record sleeves on display in a gallery or museum setting, with glass panels on either side reflecting the vibrant arrangement.
Culture

Largest-Ever Display of UK AIDS Memorial Quilt Opens at Tate Modern

Grief Made Visible — Comprising hundreds of panels made by lovers, friends and chosen family, the UK AIDS Memorial Quilt returns in full for the first time since 1994 – a testament to grief, friendship and the ongoing fight against HIV stigma.

Written by: Ella Glossop

Rustic footbridge across a river, with people crossing it on a sunny day. Warm tones and shadows suggest an outdoor, natural setting.
Sport

In Medellín’s alleys and side streets, football’s founding spirit shines

Street Spirit — Granted two weeks of unfettered access, photographer Tom Ringsby captures the warmth and DIY essence of the Colombian city’s grassroots street football scene.

Written by: Isaac Muk

A person wearing a red bandana and denim jacket, looking directly at the camera.
Activism

A new book explores Tupac’s revolutionary politics and activism

Words For My Comrades — Penned by Dean Van Nguyen, the cultural history encompasses interviews with those who knew the rapper well, while exploring his parents’ anti-capitalist influence.

Written by: Isaac Muk

Diverse group of people with various expressions and styles, surrounded by bold text and graphics in dark colours.
Culture

Remembering New York’s ’90s gay scene via its vibrant nightclub flyers

Getting In — After coming out in his 20s, David Kennerley became a fixture on the city’s queer scene, while pocketing invites that he picked up along the way. His latest book dives into his rich archive.

Written by: Miss Rosen

Huck 79

We are all Mia Khalifa

How humour, therapy and community help Huck's latest cover star control her narrative.

Written by: Alya Mooro

Huck is supported by our readers, subscribers and Club Huck members. It is also made possible by sponsorship from:

Signup to our newsletter

Sign up to our newsletter to informed with the cutting edge of sport, music and counterculture, featuring personal takes on the state of media and pop culture from Emma Garland, former Digital Editor of Huck, exclusive interviews, recommendations and more.

Please wait...

Accessibility Settings

Text

Applies the Open Dyslexic font, designed to improve readability for individuals with dyslexia.

Applies a more readable font throughout the website, improving readability.

Underlines links throughout the website, making them easier to distinguish.

Adjusts the font size for improved readability.

Visuals

Reduces animations and disables autoplaying videos across the website, reducing distractions and improving focus.

Reduces the colour saturation throughout the website to create a more soothing visual experience.

Increases the contrast of elements on the website, making text and interface elements easier to distinguish.