When we entered the first lockdown here in the UK, I knew that I had to use the permitted time outside to continue doing what I love, riding my bike. The first time I hit the streets at night I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. It was still London, the buildings were there, the lights were on, but the people were missing. There none of that London buzz, it was absolutely surreal.
I instantly knew I had to somehow document this but the challenge was how? I didn’t want to add to the situation, so I knew this had to be a responsibly distanced two-man project. I sketched a plan, rang up my mate and brilliant videographer, Send It Brad, and together formed a plan. We spent every night filming on the empty streets of London two hours at a time for the next four weeks.
I am extremely proud of how it turned out and how we managed to pull this together with all the restrictions and challenges we faced along the way. While it’s cool to look back on this project, I do, however, hope that I never have to see London like this again.
Surreal was shot over a month-long period during the 2020 lockdown in London by myself and ‘Send It Brad‘ in accordance with the relevant health and safety guidelines and under strict compliance of the rules in effect during that time.—Jake100
Bloody good video that, wheelies totally on point too. I was born in London and although I've not been there for 17 years I can't imagine it being so deserted. Fanks for the vid guv.
Great video. London was earily empty during lockdown. Great fun riding our bikes during our "permitted exercise" every day. But like the opening scene from horror movie "28 Days Later"
Not when outside, exercising and it's kinda his job. I'd call what he does in normal times, weaving in and out of rush hour traffic, far more dangerous and risky.
No disrespect to the kid, but this is how he and his little chums ride in London when people and traffic are about. Shooting red lights, riding on the wrong side of the road causing other road users and pedestrians noting but grief. Definition of anti social, and the Met do sweet FA about it, not that do much anyways.
47 Comments
"Wheely love this edit...."
*hangs head in shame*
Join Pinkbike Login