These aren't kids. The quad rider was a 27 year old man who "[tested] positive following a drugs test" and who also appears to have previously been convicted of possession of an offensive weapon in public. He was jailed for 15 months for this.
The judge described the gang:
travelling at speeds of 35mph*, weaving in and out of traffic, ignoring red lights, and travelling on the opposite carriageway at one stage. This was highly dangerous and posed a significant risk to the public. Many of those who were riding concealed their identity.
* The speed limit in built-up areas here is generally 30mph or 20mph
It's crazy that anyone is defending the riders when video shows them:
- riding on the wrong side of the road (in the UK we drive on the left)
- riding on the pavement
- riding without number plates
- so presumably these are not road-legal bikes
- so presumably the riders are not insured
- failing to stop for police
- hitting a pedestrian
Sources