Bikers fear that an iconic meet-up spot in Soho may be under threat after mounting pressure from councillors to crackdown on antisocial behaviour.
A campaign by Westminster Conservatives has claimed that intimidating behaviour and reckless driving by some motorcyclists is causing ‘misery and fear’ to the community late at night.
However, many bikers who say they gather peacefully around the area are worried that tougher restrictions may mean they lose an important part of their community.
Billy Gaish, founder of the biking community Torq, said: “This area is a crucial sanctuary and meeting point.
“Losing this space would genuinely suck for the majority who rely on it for positive social connection.”
Frith Street’s Bar Italia is particularly popular among bikers for its famous coffee, late opening times, and rich history stretching back to the 1950s.
Gaish said: “On Fridays and Saturdays, riders travel from across London and the UK just to share this collective experience and enjoy the company.
“It is the heart of the motorcycling community — it’s a social and cultural haven.”
However, councillors Tim Barnes and Paul Fisher have called for increased pressure on certain bikers who cause nuisance to residents and businesses through loud ‘revving-up’ and irresponsible driving.
The councillors also claim that many are using illegal flip-up number plates to avoid identification, as well as threatening police and passers-by who ask them to be quiet.
Fisher said: “These individuals are thugs.
“There are examples of bikers who use Soho who are not, but I’m afraid the people we’re concerned with are just committing crime.
“It’s only a matter of time until there is a violent episode.”
On the weekend of November 14, the Met Police implemented a dispersal order which gives officers the power to make individuals leave an area and not return for 48 hours.
When a dispersal order was used in the area on September 5, 11 riders had their details taken by police.
But the councillors are calling for further pressure, saying these measures are only a short-term solution, with the problem worsening every week.
Barnes said: “We’re gathering evidence from residents and local businesses about the impact it’s having on them in order to build a case for more resources.”
Despite fears over stricter rules, Gaish says many bikers understand the need for action to protect both residents and motorcyclists who gather responsibly.
He said: “The nuisance caused by a few extremely loud and disrespectful riders is a shame, especially for residents.
“Unfortunately, those few individuals don’t represent the rest of us.
“We want to show that we are good people just having a good time with our friends, and we want to be part of the solution, not the problem.”
Featured image credit: Hamish McCorriston
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