Motorcyclists in Bristol are to unite in a mass ride-out on Saturday (30 September) to protest against brazen criminals who are stealing bikes in the city and bragging about their exploits on social media.
The protest is being organised by a Facebook group called Riding Against Motorcycle Crime. The online page tells victims of motorcycle theft: “Here’s your chance to take positive action and show just how you feel! Join the many riders who are campaigning to raise public awareness of bike theft in Bristol and help to remind local politicians that bike theft is a serious social problem that needs to be dealt with urgently.”
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The protest ride will leave Dick Lovett BMW Motorrad, Cribbs Causeway, at noon and will finish at Fowlers Motorcycles at around 2 pm, where riders can discuss their security concerns with expert advisers and buy refreshments at Harry’s Cafe.
“Hopefully police officers from Operation Buell will make an appearance either at the start, at the end or both,” said the organisers. “This is subject to operational requirements so there’s no guarantee. However, members of the Independent Advisory Group (IAG) will be in attendance to provide a general picture of Operation Buell and its objectives.”
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“This ride is a rare opportunity to demonstrate the groundswell of concern that exists regarding bike crime, so please make sure you join your motorcycling community in supporting this important event,” say the organisers, who point out that bikers wishing to participate in cars can do so but must stay to the rear of the ride after the back marking vehicle.
Pictured is a similar protest held recently in London.
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