The Imps Motorcycle Display Team appears to be on pause, having cancelled all future performances with immediate effect. Although there’s no indication what the cause might be, but a statement on the group’s website stated: “A recent review of the organisation has brought to light several critical areas that need attention before any future activity could even be considered.” It went on: “These are not easy fixes. They require time, care and thoughtful reflection. To press on regardless would risk compromising the very standards and values that made The Imps what they are today.”

The Imps is an East London-based charity, set up by the late Roy Pratt MBE in 1970, to train children aged between five and 16 to learn motorcycle stunts, which they then went on to perform all over the world. Aiming to instill confidence and the importance of team work, the charity has worked with over 2500 young riders over the years.

Jim Freeman, chair at the BMF hoped that The Imps would be in a position to resume their work soon: “The Imps are something of a national institution, so the BMF hopes this is simply a temporary hiatus and nothing more. One has to wonder whether safeguarding and Health and Safety issues may be the root cause, or even a switch to electric power. ”

Written by Peter Henshaw

Top image courtesy of  The Imps Motorcycle Display Team