Off road motorcycle nuisance
This is a message from Neighbourhood Alert Information sent on behalf of Nottinghamshire Police
Message sent by
Jason Crofts (Police, PC 1146, West Bassetlaw, East Bassetlaw & Sherwood)
Off-road motorcycles, mini motorcycles or quad bikes are a regular source of annoyance. There are very few places in this area where they can be ridden legally.
If they are used illegally, there is a very good chance that the machine will be confiscated.
If you or your children use a motorcycle in ANY public place – that is anywhere that the public has access such as parks, woodland, footpaths, and, of course public roads – the motorcycle MUST be taxed and insured.
Even pushing a motorcycle in a public place requires the machine to be taxed and insured.
The only place where young people can legally ride an off-road machine is on private land, with the permission of the landowner.
You should not be tempted to buy these machines unless you are willing to transport the bikes to off road bike sites where such activity can take place safely and legally.
Even if you have written permission to ride one on private land, you are still faced with the problem of getting the machine to that land. You cannot push it or ride it there, so the only way to get it there is in the back of a car or van or on a trailer.
Off-roading might seem like harmless fun and the Police are seen as spoilsports, but off-roading is extremely dangerous. Even the smallest mini motorcycles are capable of speeds up to 50 mph and there have been numerous cases of young people losing control and ending up in hospital with serious injuries or even dead. Illegal off-roaders also put other people in danger, people walking in parks or woodland, on footpaths or the pavement.
The Police want to know about anyone who is using a motorcycle illegally.
If you know of someone who rides an off-road motorcycle illegally or you see someone riding one along your street or in the park, TELL the police by ringing 101 or anonymously by using the Crimestoppers number of 0800 555 111.
Remember, if you are tempted to ride a motorcycle illegally – be warned: ride it illegally and the Police WILL seize it.