London riots; the dark side of the bicycle

Here at i b i k e l o n d o n we are always extolling the virtues of the humble bicycle; how you can beat traffic, zip through back lanes where cars can't go, whizz through parks and get from A to B in a flash of gears and be at your destination before a London driver has barely even set off.  Sadly, the looters who took over large parts of our city on Monday also know this and used the bicycle's inherent flexibility to devastating effect.

As looters and thugs in my neighbourhood threw stones and bottles on the Bethnal Green Road, hooded bike riders were zipping up and down my street scouting out police-free locations.  As the riot cops arrived, it was the bikes that led the way to new scenes of disturbance, seeking locations in advance for the rioters to then follow on foot.  As re-enforcements arrived on the main road, a kid on a BMX clad in a black track suit with his face covered called out "I've just been to Whitechapel, it's safe, let's go there now!" The shouts of "Whitechapel! Whitechapel! Whitechapel!" came back, and the young men were off, scurrying down local lanes and dissipating down dark passageways before the police, who aren't from round here, had even got their A to Zs out.

BBC footage from Hackney yesterday afternoon.

As fires were lit and news cameras were focused on the big flare ups on Hackney's Mare Street or down in Croydon, there was plenty going on in the back lanes and alleyways away from the media glare.  Reports of people being violently mugged for their bikes along the busy cycle route through London Fields park were all over Twitter.  Over in Islington, popular independent and local bike shop MiCycle was attacked; looters poured in and raced out with bikes.

Looting MiCycle; footage via London Cyclist

***

Update, 10/08/11:

The Daily Telegraph's Andrew Gilligan was robbed of his bicycle whilst riding home from Tottenham through Hackney on Monday night.  You can read his full report here.  He writes; "It was one of those microseconds when you know exactly what is about to happen, without the slightest chance of stopping it.

The big black boy rode his bike straight at me, crashing me off my own and leaving us both tangled up on the ground. Then four more of them were racing towards me, clawing at my legs to get them off my bike, kicking me in the head as I tried to hold on. Two minutes later, it was all over. Ten minutes later, no doubt, it was being used to loot a newsagent’s.

Bleeding a little, I thought I might as well call 999. It was a recorded message. After four and a half minutes, a tired man answered. “There’s nothing we can do,” he said. “You know what’s going on. We have to give priority to saving people’s lives. I suggest you just go home.” 

Micycle in Islington is now open for business again, reports GoingGoingBike, who contacted their mechanic Julian Sabetian; "We’ve had lots of concern from customers and locals alike, so the support has been palpable and very welcome.”
“I think that the redeeming factor’s just being the local community and their support. A few people have deliberately come to make small purchases [to show support]. Other shops have swung by or phoned, it’s nice for potential competitors to show their concern.”


There have been further reports of bike shops being raided and looted across London, including Evans Cycles in Chalk Farm and Clapham, and Geoffrey Butler in South Croydon.  BikeBiz online is keeping a tally, and also has advice from insurance firms for traders who may have been affected.

***

Down in Brixton, the BBC's Podraic O'Brien reported; "I'm standing outside Halfords on the other side of the road and they've just smashed through the door of Halfords.  They're taking bikes out the front entrance."  Guardian journalist Peter Walker live-tweeted similar occurrences at the Halfords store in Catford.  "Trouble spreading again in #catford - gang breaking down door of Halfords by station. Full view of main road. No police."  Later, as the police moved on to other hot spots, the trouble returned; "Bizarre. Police have now abandoned Halfords in #catford and, guess what... the looters are back."

If you see streets as a network - channels of movement and routes for communication - there's no better way of operating it than by bike.  Sadly, as last night has shown, those who are taking part in this mindless looting and violence are all too aware of it.  Bikes can be used to pass messages, weapons and drugs quickly and easily between flashpoints.  Untraceable and too quick to catch, whether we like it or not the humble bicycle is at the forefront of events.

The Money Shop on Bethnal Green Road this morning

What can you do to stay safe?

• Avoid unlit or sparsely populated cycle routes; especially those through parks such as London Fields or along canals.
• Keep up to date of where trouble is flaring up; consider changing your route home if necessary.
• Consider teaming up with friends or colleagues to cycle home together or in small groups.
• Avoid cycling through or near large groups of youths. Turn around and go back the way you came if you have to.
• If someone offers you a brand new bike for sale in the street or at a market, do not buy it, you could be paying for stolen goods.
• Exercise caution and common sense on websites like eBay and GumTree
• Ensure you have a record of the frame number and particulars of your own bike.  Consider using a security website like BikeRegister and ensure your bike is always kept secure with at least two good locks.
• Support your local bike retailer, especially if they've been the victims of looting or theft.

Share |