UNRULY youths have been warned of the dangers of riding bikes irresponsibly after an incident in Colchester.

A video of at least 50 youngsters on bicycles flouting the laws of the roads was captured by a resident of Hythe Hill at 1.20pm on Saturday.

The footage, which has been seen by more than 30,000 people, shows the large group of teenagers at a busy roundabout in the road.

The majority of the riders’ conduct is within the rules of the road, however some can be seen popping wheelies, cycling on the wrong side of the carriageway into traffic and even kicking out at cars.

The video can be seen here: 

The “ride out” is understood to have been organised via a social media group referencing #BikeStormz, an anti-knife crime initiative organised in London.

Ward councillor and public safety boss Mike Lilley said the teenagers’ behaviour was unacceptable.

“The anti-knife crime message they are trying to get across is great, but watching the video and seeing some of them cycling on the wrong side of the road and kicking some of the cars, it is clear this is not the way to do it,” he said.

“Whoever organised the ride should tell people to behave properly. It is lucky there wasn’t an accident but there easily could have been.

“It is a very busy part of town and cars do speed around there.

“If youngsters are going to do things like this please stick to the rules of the road.”

Essex Police confirmed they were called to investigate following reports of dangerous riding from members of the public.

A spokesman said: “We’re asking parents to speak to their children about road safety and cycling.

“Cyclists who fail to abide to the Highways Code by cycling dangerously and running red lights put themselves, pedestrians and other road users in danger.

“In some instances, people are seriously injured and even killed.”

Dangerous riding can be reported via 101 or at www.essex.police.uk/do-it-online.