Breaking through in the early 90s, it was instantly obvious that Ian Morris was a special rider.
His early video parts showcased his ability to learn new technical tricks and take on original and gnarly lines.
After relocating to Hastings in the early 90s and starting work for Seventies, Ian’s profile and reputation began to grow further thanks to multiple cover shots and some groundbreaking parts in the Backyard video series.
Evolving street riding away from the static rock ’n’ rolls or stall-type tricks to something closer to what skating had become — by sending roof gaps, transfers, and huge handrails — meant that Ian quickly became one of the UK’s top riders.
Together with Stuart Dawkins at Backyard and Seventies, Ian was instrumental in staging the legendary Backyard Jams, running multiple teams, and producing more groundbreaking videos.
His riding continued to push the boundaries, and his section in the epic Etnies Forward video cemented his reputation as a rider without fear.
Eventually, Ian would move on and form his own bike brand — United — and his own distribution company — 4Down. Today, they support riders, competitions, and events throughout the UK and beyond, and both companies have become leading names in the BMX industry.
Ian Morris was one of a handful of riders who rewrote the rulebook of what BMX riding could be. His influence on street riding can be seen today across the globe, and many of the tricks, lines, and gaps he did are the stuff of BMX legend.
By Neil Waddington
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