12 O’Clock

Inside New York’s Illegal Dirt Bike Crews

“12 O’Clock”, a book by Living Proof documenting the world of New York’s Bike Life crews.

Living Proof has worked with numerous Bronx Bike Life crews to release “12 O’Clock”, a 130-page book documenting the world surrounding the groups of individuals that ride their ATV’s, 4 wheelers and motorized bikes throughout the 5 boroughs of the city. The book follows the riders who have been a part of the scene for years, navigating police pressure, public misunderstanding and injury; all whilst using the inner-city motor sport as a refuge of peace and a way to create happiness for themselves amidst a world of conflict.

Bike Life is a street-level riding culture rooted in inner-city life, with a heavy concentration in New York City, centered around groups of riders that ride motorized bikes in large packs. Often stopping traffic, performing wheelies for extended periods of time, burnouts and controlled maneuvers in public spaces with general disregard for motor-vehicle laws.

The lifestyle is based on freedom, community and brotherhood. This culture has played a vital role in shaping the identity of urban environments in New York City.

Photography by Sam McKenna