Kirkstall '˜ride out' blasted by leaders

A gang of motorcyclists who brought chaos to the streets of Leeds a week ago today have been branded 'irresponsible and dangerous' by local groups.

Hundreds of calls were received by West Yorkshire Police last Monday night as up to 50 riders descended on Kirkstall Road, forcing the closure of the road for around an hour.

The gang had been seen riding en masse through other parts of the city centre and Hyde Park in the minutes beforehand, after organising to meet up through social media sites. Now, the Leeds branch of the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG), has said their actions were “the worst example of behaviour in recent years.”

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Richard Manton, Leeds representative, said: “An overwhelming majority of riders respect and uphold the principles of good roadcraft along with skilful and thoughtful use of our highways.  

“From time to time any activity can attract a hooligan element that reflects very badly on the individuals themselves.  These people are not riders in the proper sense, but irresponsible people on two wheels, just as some choose to act irresponsibly on four wheels – or on foot.”

Police, the county’s road policing unit and the police helicopter were all involved in the response to disperse the group.

“Those tearing through the streets on motorcycles with complete disregard for others are not a true representation of the majority of riders in the UK, and deserve to be prosecuted for breaches of the laws currently in place in the interests of public safety,” added Mr Manton.

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