'Bike jousting revives the medieval spectacle'

Jousting while riding bikes is "absolutely a legitimate form" of the medieval sport, a professional jouster has said as details of a second planned duel circulate on social media.

Just a few weeks ago, hundreds of people congregated in London Fields, Hackney, east London, to watch actor Camtholomew the First and artist Jack Carden joust while riding Lime bikes.

Videos on social media showed them dressed as knights in armour, complete with chainmail and lances, attempting to knock each other off the rentable e-bikes. A "rematch" is due to take place on Saturday at a location yet to be disclosed.

Lime has been contacted for comment but previously said its bikes were "not for jousting".

In a statement released after the first duel, Lime discouraged others from "attempting similar events" due to safety concerns.

"While we appreciate the medieval spirit, safety must always come first," a spokesperson for the company previously said.

But Andy Deane, captain of the Royal Armouries jousting team in Leeds, said it was a "joy" to see the bike jousting "capturing the spectacle" of the medieval sport.

"This is absolutely a legitimate form of jousting," he said.

"Historically, you had sort of piggyback jousting pictures in the 14th, 15th Century, you had jousting on water where you have people rowing boats towards each other with people at the bow with their lances and shields."

Deane has been jousting for 33 years and travelled across Europe, Asia, Canada and the US teaching and participating in the sport.

"You've got hundreds of people getting really enthusiastic, laughing their heads off and cheering on the knight they want to win," he added.

"That's what jousts are all about. They're loud, rambunctious, brilliant places to perform.

"If I was 20 years younger, I'd already be on the train down there with my bike."

The biggest danger, he said, was being flung from your horse or bike and "landing badly".

"There's definitely a risk involved, but that's why you're wearing the armour – to protect you and, for the most part, it does," he said.

"So bicycles – absolutely the way to go. Certainly if you can't afford a horse."

Despite their popularity, hospitals have reported an increase in injuries to both e-bike riders and pedestrians.

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