‘Drivers actually enjoy it’
Drum and bass bike ride returns to city
THOUSANDS of bike-riding ravers are expected to take to the city centre on Easter Sunday as a self-styled ‘DJ on a bike’ passes through.
Dom Whiting – who says he hasn’t previously had negative feedback from motorists – is due to return to Bristol with his Drum and Bass on a Bike event starting at 2pm.
The DJ bought a custom-made three-wheeled bike during the first Covid-19 lockdown and gained popularity on social media and YouTube channel for his unique DJ sets across towns and cities in this country and Europe.
His events often see hundreds of cyclists follow in convoy enjoying his music with some riders wearing speakers on their backs.
Bristol is one of Dom’s key locations to host such events, with previous years seeing him led a congregation of people on bikes, rollerblades, e-scooters skateboards and on foot playing a set spanning more than two hours. Due to the success of previous years, the Bristol bike ride is now an annual event.
Dom said: “To be honest, it is a key part of my year. I first started here in 2021 and since then, I have come here and it’s always been received very well and attracts loads of people.
“We want it to be more accessible for not just our age group but the younger generation.”
Speaking about the appeal of Bristol, Dom added: “It’s just got that vibe to it and it’s unlike any other city. It’s got that good vibe to it.”
Dom will start his trip around the Lloyds Amphitheatre by the harbourside at 2pm and will largely follow a similar route to previous years. Last year saw the parade of people travel up to Brandon Hill, Park Street, the Bearpit, Stokes Croft, Cabot Circus, Castle Park and finished back by the harbourside.
More than 2,500 people joined last year’s event and Dom is hopeful of similar numbers.
He commented: “I never know, to be honest. It would be lovely if we had the same amount of people here again.
“Hopefully we have the same amount. We had 2,500 at least but it would be lovely to get it again. Hopefully, the weather will be ok again.”
Events often travel through town centres and cyclist-friendly areas, which means cars and buses are often caught up in the traffic as bikes flood onto the roads to follow Dom and the music.
Yet Dom insists he has had no negative feedback and loves getting drivers and passersby involved in the DJ action.
Speaking about last year’s event, he said: “All the drivers knew about it and were actually joining in. I was quite surprised and I personally didn’t see any drivers that were distressed or annoyed.
“You don’t need a bike, but you can come on a bike. We have people on scooters and rollerskates. If you have some earplugs that would be great and bring your good vibes - you bring your dog if you want! It is unlimited fun.”
The concept sees Whiting travel to cities across the UK and Europe hosting bike rides soundtracked to his mixes.
The DJ – who streamed the entire two-hour set on Facebook – said last year was his biggest Bristol event yet and possibly one of his favourite rides ever.