Have they learned NOTHING?’ Biker memorial sparks fury on Stoke street
A memorial gathering for tragic teenager Oakley Shim has sparked a fresh debate about motorcycles in Stoke-on-Trent, with residents questioning whether it was respectful remembrance or another reminder of the city's ongoing problems with anti-social riding and stolen bikes.
A gathering of bikers at the site of a tragic fatal crash has sparked a furious debate about motorcycles, anti-social riding and stolen bikes across Stoke-on-Trent.
A memorial was held on Anchor Road yesterday, close to where 18-year-old Oakley Shim sadly lost his life in a collision on August 5.
Oakley died at the scene of the crash, which involved his motorcycle and a car.
Yesterday's gathering was intended to remember Oakley and pay tribute to a young man whose life was tragically cut short.
But for some local people, the sight of a large number of bikers gathering on Anchor Road has brought a very different issue back into the spotlight.
Stoke-on-Trent has a growing problem with stolen motorcycles, anti-social riding and bikes being ridden dangerously around residential areas.
And that has left some residents asking whether yesterday's gathering was simply a respectful memorial – or whether it unintentionally highlighted the very problem that has caused so much frustration locally.
To be clear, there is nothing inherently wrong with attending a memorial or riding a motorcycle, and the actions of a minority should not be used to judge every biker.
But residents who regularly have to deal with excessively noisy bikes, dangerous riding, stolen motorcycles and bikes being used around estates are increasingly asking when something will be done.
Yesterday's gathering has therefore opened up a much bigger conversation.
Was it a respectful way of remembering Oakley?
Or did it simply remind people of Stoke's ongoing battle with anti-social motorcycle riding?
Oakley's death remains a tragedy, regardless of the wider debate.
But yesterday's events have clearly touched a nerve among some people who believe the city needs much stronger action against those who use motorcycles to cause nuisance, ride dangerously or use stolen machines.
What do you think?
Was yesterday's memorial a perfectly understandable tribute to Oakley and an opportunity for fellow bikers to pay their respects?
Or do you understand the anger of residents who feel that Stoke already has a serious problem with anti-social motorcycle use?
We want to hear your views.
