Breaking through in the early 1990s, 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 grew even further thanks to multiple cover shots and some groundbreaking sections in the Backyard video series.
Ian helped evolve street riding away from static rock ’n’ rolls and stall type tricks into something much closer to what skateboarding had become, sending roof gaps, transfers and huge handrails. It quickly established him as 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 boundaries, and his section in the iconic Etnies Forward video cemented his reputation as a rider without fear.
Eventually, Ian moved on to form his own bike brand, United, along with his own distribution company, 4Down. Today, both companies support riders, competitions and events throughout the UK and beyond, and have become leading names within the BMX industry.
Ian Morris was one of a handful of riders who completely rewrote the rulebook of what BMX riding could be. His influence on street riding can still be seen across the world today, and many of the tricks, lines and gaps he rode have become part of BMX legend.
By Neil Waddington
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