BikeStormz London 2016 brought a stream of bicycles along Victoria Embankment on 23 July. I filmed the riders from above the road, looking towards Westminster as the group passed beneath me. For a couple of minutes, the bicycles became the main event in a familiar riverside view.

From the Roberts London archive: filmed and originally published on 23 July 2016. This short film records one stretch of the rideout along the Embankment.

BikeStormz on Victoria Embankment

The opening view looks down on riders passing the pedestrian crossing beside the river. Some pedal through in small groups, while others lift their front wheels and hold wheelies as they travel along the road. More cyclists keep appearing behind them, turning a brief passing moment into a continuous procession.

From this height, you can see both the individual riders and the length of the group. Bicycles spread across the carriageway, with people watching from the pavements. The trees cast patches of shade across the road, but most of the scene is in bright summer sunshine.

A riverside view of the rideout

As the camera turns along the Embankment, the view opens out towards the London Eye across the Thames. Boats sit beside the river wall, pedestrians gather at the crossing and the line of cyclists continues into the distance. The setting is unmistakably central London, even though the riders hold most of the attention.

The film stays with this one scene rather than following the whole route. That gives it a simple rhythm: riders approach, pass below the camera and continue towards Westminster. Later, the gaps between groups grow wider and cars become more visible among the remaining bicycles.

A moment from London in July 2016

Near the end, I turn the camera towards myself with the rideout still visible behind me. The final view returns to the road as a sightseeing bus passes through the scene. It is a compact record of a summer afternoon: the river, the trees, the traffic and a long procession of bicycles sharing the frame.

For another view of London street life that month, see my visit to Carnaby Street Eat 2016, with food stalls and outdoor dining around Kingly Court.

Watch the BikeStormz London 2016 film

The original 2-minute 37-second film is below. Its soundtrack contains strong language.