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Bikes “not for jousting,” says Lime after knightly duel video

Lime, the e‑bike sharing company, has clarified that its bicycles are intended for city travel, not for medieval‑style combat, after a video of two riders dressed as knights clashing in an east London park went viral over the weekend. The scene unfolded in London Fields, Hackney, where hundreds gathered to watch artist Jack Carden and actor Camtholomew the First mount bright green rental e‑bikes and charge at each other with makeshift lances while wearing chainmail.

Footage posted on social media shows the pair attempting to unseat one another, while the crowd chants “joust, joust, joust.” One of the riders eventually falls after being jabbed.

In a pre‑event post, Carden described the “free public joust” as performance art. A video he shared on Instagram has been viewed more than four million times. Hospitals have meanwhile reported a rise in injuries involving e‑bike riders and pedestrians.

A Lime spokesperson said, “We always love seeing Londoners come together and build a sense of community in unexpected ways, but safety must always come first. Lime bikes are designed for getting around the city, not for jousting. We discourage anyone from attempting similar events to keep riders and those around them safe.”

Listeners can catch the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Story ideas may be sent to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk.

Related topics: electric bikes and scooters, London, Hackney London Borough Council.

More stories: New powers to seize e‑bikes that obstruct paths (18 October), Out‑of‑contract e‑bike firm refuses to quit Ealing (9 September), Speed up regulation for “Wild West” e‑bike schemes, says mayor (2 October).