Bikers ride out in London in a stand against knife crime
- Text by Benjamin Brooks
- Photography by Benjamin Brooks

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

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

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

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 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

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

We are all Mia Khalifa
How humour, therapy and community help Huck's latest cover star control her narrative.
Written by: Alya Mooro