London’s young bike riders gather for moving Grenfell vigil
- Text by Dominique Sisley
- Photography by Theo McInnes
This Saturday, hundreds of young bike riders gathered in Ladbroke Grove to pay their respects to the victims of the Grenfell fire tragedy. The cyclists – who were mostly in their teens and early twenties – were taking part in a free mass ride-out, biking across London from Tower Bridge to Wembley. After reaching the Grenfell site mid-route, they stopped to gather for a moving two-minute silence.
The regular ride-out, otherwise known as Bikestormz, sees thousands of young cyclists in the UK horde together for meet-ups. Bonding over their shared passion for riding, they weave through traffic, show off tricks, and play chicken with cars. In a country that’s offering less and less to its young people, Bikestormz has become a strong social movement.
“Going to Grenfell shows that the movement is respectful, despite how people who don’t get it see them,” explains Theo McInnes. The Huck photographer tagged along for the weekend’s ride, and felt warmed by the community spirit on show.
“They went there to show respect for the people who had so tragically lost their lives. It was a statement really, showing everyone that they are not disrespectful and that, as a movement, they do care about others – in a city where so many may see them as menaces.”
Learn more about the Bikestormz movement in Huck 60 – The Outsider Issue or online.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
Latest on Huck
Analogue Appreciation: Maria Teriaeva’s five pieces that remind her of home
From Sayan to Savoie — In an ever more digital, online world, we ask our favourite artists about their most cherished pieces of physical culture. First up, the Siberian-born, Paris-based composer and synthesist.
Written by: Maria Teriaeva
Petition to save the Prince Charles Cinema signed by over 100,000 people in a day
PCC forever — The Soho institution has claimed its landlord, Zedwell LSQ Ltd, is demanding the insertion of a break clause that would leave it “under permanent threat of closure”.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Remembering Taboo, the party that reshaped ’80s London nightlife
Glitter on the floor — Curators Martin Green and NJ Stevenson revisit Leigh Bowery’s legendary night, a space for wild expression that reimagined partying and fashion.
Written by: Cyna Mirzai
A timeless, dynamic view of the Highland Games
Long Walk Home — Robbie Lawrence travelled to the historic sporting events across Scotland and the USA, hoping to learn about cultural nationalism. He ended up capturing a wholesome, analogue experience rarely found in the modern age.
Written by: Isaac Muk
The rave salvaging toilets for London’s queers
Happy Endings — Public bathrooms have long been contested spaces for LGBTQ+ communities, and rising transphobia is seeing them come under scrutiny. With the infamous rave-in-a-bog at an east London institution, its party-goers are claiming them for their own.
Written by: Ben Smoke
Baghdad’s first skatepark set to open next week
Make Life Skate Life — Opening to the public on February 1, it will be located at the Ministry of Youth and Sports in the city centre and free-of-charge to use.
Written by: Isaac Muk