Around noon, about a hundred bikers were ready in the harbor of IJmuiden for a roaring second edition of Puk’s plague protest. Last year, the teenager was dropped off at her graduation in IJmuiden, but today the journey even leads to The Hague. For Puk himself, last year’s protest made a difference: “I am more respected, but I do this for the people who are severely depressed in their room or office.”
It is extra motivation for her to continue her protest against bullying and to remain herself under all circumstances. With her characteristic steampunk goggles on, Puk leads the impressive procession of bikes and trikes. And even her driver’s motorcycle and her motorcycle suit match Puk’s signature blue lipstick.
At 12 o’clock the motorcyclists left the Middenhavenstraat in IJmuiden with the Hoge Lighthouse in the background, honking loudly. Puk’s father Peter Niemeijer expects the procession of bikers to become much larger along the way.