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Original poster

AIBU to be concerned about children that spend all the time cycling noisily near my flat?

66 replies

Hdlll · 22/05/2026 08:14

There are a couple of families near me, when it’s weekends or holidays, their DC just spend the time riding around on their bikes up and down the parking area where my flat is. They don’t live in the flats but one of the houses opposite the entrance.

They do this when it’s raining and dark. Obviously not the issue at the moment.

I know one of the mums works for a shop part time in the town as seen her in the shop.

I feel sorry for the kids. If parents can’t afford to take them out - we have 3 parks in 15 minutes walk in different directions.

An issue is that the kids bikes need oiling/WD40 as they squeak. Bloody annoying when hybrid working on the phone most of the time. Before anyone asks - this issue has only arisen since February.

OP posts:
Original poster
Hdlll · 22/05/2026 08:48

Kids - unsure of which kids belong to which parents are between 6-11. I’m rubbish at guessing ages.

My concern is that they need to go out further than cycling up and down the 50m or so car park all day long. Yes I know they are off screens but that must be boring

OP posts:
OvernightBloats · 22/05/2026 08:45

They are playing outside on their bikes (noisily?!) - no anti-social behaviour - just normal activity.

I think you need to reframe this. The children (and their parents) are not the problem here, your expectations are. Move away to a deserted area in the middle of nowhere if you can't cope with the noise of children playing.

OneNaiceSnail · 22/05/2026 08:36

My little boy would absolutely love to live in a place where he could play outside all day with his mates on his bike. What a lovely childhood. I feel so sad for him only going to get out when I have the odd weekend day off and we’re not totally skint. It’s nice to know some children still have childhoods like these 😢

Groobey · 22/05/2026 08:36

waterrat · 22/05/2026 08:32

wow this is sad op

You think they are deprived because they are playing on their own doorsteps? you presume their parents 'can't afford' to take them out or are failing to take them to the park?

This used to be normal!! We have literally forgotten that the space outside homes was for people to use - for children to play in.

Maybe their parents are cooking dinner and are really pleased they are within sight enjoying themselves with their neighbours?

A trip to the park involves organising/ adults leaving the home/one adult deciding to take lots of kids etcc etc.

Do you think streets should only be for cars?

If they make you worried why not go and say hi? kids play at the end of my road and I went over and said to them - I love that you guys are playing here and also said hello to their mum, my neighbour. That way I got to know my community.

give it a go.

Yes it was the reference to the mum working that made me think “huh”. Does OP think the mum neglected her child by working?

user1471538275 · 22/05/2026 08:36

@ladyrinths I don't know - there is a perception that children must be managed at all times by others - teachers, parents, sports coaches and that allowing them to actually learn to manage their own activity and behaviour is tantamount to neglect.

To be fair, my childhood was definitely on the (usually benign) neglect side of life - but we certainly learned to problem solve and manage situations.

ladyrinths · 22/05/2026 08:33

This cannot be serious

user1471538275 · 22/05/2026 08:33

Why do you feel sorry for the kids? They clearly can make their own fun and don't need parents 'to take them out' to expensive places.

Try to view what they're doing more positively - they are interacting with each other, getting exercise, getting outside.

waterrat · 22/05/2026 08:32

and btw - kids do make noise when they are playing ..it's completely natural.

waterrat · 22/05/2026 08:32

wow this is sad op

You think they are deprived because they are playing on their own doorsteps? you presume their parents 'can't afford' to take them out or are failing to take them to the park?

This used to be normal!! We have literally forgotten that the space outside homes was for people to use - for children to play in.

Maybe their parents are cooking dinner and are really pleased they are within sight enjoying themselves with their neighbours?

A trip to the park involves organising/ adults leaving the home/one adult deciding to take lots of kids etcc etc.

Do you think streets should only be for cars?

If they make you worried why not go and say hi? kids play at the end of my road and I went over and said to them - I love that you guys are playing here and also said hello to their mum, my neighbour. That way I got to know my community.

give it a go.

Nottopanic · 22/05/2026 08:30

What’s your actual concern?
How old are the kids?

Tshirtking · 22/05/2026 08:29

I would rather they where out on their bikes than playing computer games all day. My entire childhood was riding bikes, climbing trees etc. The world has becomes less tolerant of children since the 80s.

user1471538275 · 22/05/2026 08:29

'Cycling noisily' - that's a new one.

I spent most of my childhood summer holidays cycling around our estate with others, towing people on roller skates etc.

That was probably the least annoying thing that we did, but people then understood that children being outside was normal.

Swiftie1878 · 22/05/2026 08:26

No one is entitled to silence.
Sounds like the kids are doing no harm, and are better outdoors on their bikes than indoors in front of a screen.

arethereanyleftatall · 22/05/2026 08:17

Their ages are very relevant here

shellyleppard · 22/05/2026 08:17

Take a can of wd40 and fix the squeak yourself?? 😁 I think the parents/children might feel safer riding in the car park area. Maybe they don't want to be too far away from home?

Groobey · 22/05/2026 08:15

What exactly are you concerned about?

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