‘Hostile space’: Fears youth rideout movement unsafe for riders and pedestrians in the CBD

Dramatic footage of dangerous bike stunts shared on social media has been drawing a cult following among Melbourne youth — and one group is leading the charge. See the videos.

Hundreds of young riders are putting their lives, and the lives of others, at risk as they ride dangerously through busy city streets, popping wheelies and narrowly dodging cars and pedestrians.

There was a strong police presence at one of the planned rideouts on Saturday, with officers on foot, dirt and road bikes as well as several highway patrol cars keeping a close eye as dozens of kids gathered for a ride from Flagstaff Gardens to the Docklands.

The group was smaller and tamer than usual due to the searing heat, with videos posted online showcasing those on the rides – which can often attract hundreds of daredevil youths as young as 13 – brazenly breaking road rules, weaving between pedestrians on busy footpaths, through tram stops and taking up multiple lanes of traffic.

The rideouts are the brainchild of social media influencer Jordan Forte. Picture: Tony Gough

The rideouts have grown in popularity. Picture: Social Media

The rideouts are the brainchild of social media influencer Jordan Forte, 20, whose videos of the stunts performed during the Melbourne events gain hundreds of thousands of views.

Despite videos uploaded to his personal social media accounts showing riders doing wheelies, burnouts, performing dangerous stunts and riding fast towards other road users before swerving away at the last second, he said the rides were just for a bit of fun.

Mr Forte said his reason for organising the rides had recently shifted and he hoped to keep teens out of trouble and deter them from a life of crime.

He told the Sunday Herald Sun he was trying to spread the message of ‘knives down, wheels up’ in response to the ongoing youth crime crisis in the state.

“There’s been a lot of stabbings recently and it’s getting out of control,” he said.

“With the bikes, it gets you out of that bad life: it keeps you focused and on a straight path.”

Police have become increasingly interested in the rideouts as they’ve grown in number recent months, with the groups often congregating outside the IMAX Theatre opposite the Royal Exhibition Building in Carlton or in the heart of Melbourne CBD.

Police interest in the rideouts has grown along with the number of riders. Picture: Social Media

A Victoria Police spokesman said officers would stop and penalise those who were caught riding inappropriately.

“Cyclists and pedestrians are vulnerable road users and little separates them from the road, one another, traffic and possible injury.

“Victoria Police urges riders to slow down and have respect for other road users to ensure no one is injured.”

Teens prepare for a rideout in Melbourne. Picture: Social Media

While the Melbourne rideouts started in late 2020 as a means to hang out with like-minded mates, they have grown exponentially to the point of drawing criticism from police, commuters and pedestrians.

Young riders pop wheelies in the city. Picture: Tony Gough

Mr Forte is critical of the police attention his rideouts receive. Picture: Tony Gough

The Transport Accident Commission head of road safety Samantha Cockfield encouraged those involved in the rideouts, and the wider community, to “obey the rules” and be respectful of other road users.

The youths have been seen riding where bikes are prohibited. Picture: Tony Gough

“Cyclists are among our most vulnerable road users – they should wear a helmet, use bike lanes and be predictable for other vehicles,” Ms Cockfield added.

Victoria Walks chief executive Dr Ben Rossiter defended youths who chose to ride safely but encouraged police to crack down on those who made the CBD a “hostile space”.

“Groups of young people out riding together is a good thing, but not when they break laws designed to protect walkers,” Dr Rossiter said.

“Dangerous riding seen in (these) videos is extremely concerning and we urge the police to take swift action to protect walkers.”

He feared those who flouted the rules would discourage people from enjoying the city on foot.

In one particular video from early last year, riders were caught riding through Bourke St Mall, where bikes are strictly prohibited.

“If I were the parents and family of these riders I would be concerned about the risks that are being taken,” he said.

The riders have drawn criticism from police, commuters and pedestrians. Picture: Social Media

Riders perform burnouts in the city. Picture: Social Media

The antics often shock onlookers. Picture: Social Media

Dr Rossiter said the city was for everyone, including those who choose to ride, but it also required everyone to “look out” for each other and stay safe.

In one frightening video from December, a woman gets out of her car to confront a group of riders after one of the boys threatened her with a box-cutter as he rode past.

In another, a young boy is seen smashing into a side view mirror of a car on King St.

Other footage shows two young boys, riding e-bikes, doing burnouts in front of shocked on lookers near Southbank’s iconic “red stairs”.

Another, which amassed more than 30,000 views, shows Mr Forte himself riding through the Melbourne Convention Centre with his friends.

A youth falls from his bike after a stunt. Picture: Social Media

“I got arrested in this video by the cops and I was taken to a cop station and they gave me a $660 fine and then let me go after two hours of talking to me. One of the security workers there tried choking me but it is what it is,” the video’s caption reads.

Mr Forte received significant media attention back in 2022 after he broke into Marvel Stadium and scaled the roof after hours with three of his mates.

As the popularity of the rides has grown, he claims he has been raided by police at his home several times.

“They have been trying to shut me down for ages,” he said.

Police keep watch on the riders at Flagstaff Gardens. Picture: Tony Gough

Mr Forte says only a handful of people want to cause trouble and fights. Picture: Tony Gough

Replying to critics who claim his rideouts have caused chaos in the CBD, Mr Forte said: “it’s not the case, I try to tell people not to do anything dumb but not everyone listens.”

“A handful of people want to cause drama and fights,” he added.

Saturday’s ride comes days after officers attempted to arrest teens caught riding electric bikes on shared footpaths outside Optus Stadium in Perth.

Video of the ugly confrontation shows an officer get pulled to the ground and as he tried to apprehend a 16-year-old rider as other young people watch on.

Riders involved in the scuffle in Perth were also present at the ride in Melbourne over the weekend, with the Victorian capital often drawing interstate riders in big numbers.

The City of Melbourne declined to comment on the matter.