Ride properly or see your bike crushed
Jul 25 2008
A MESSAGE to mini motorbike riders has gone out loud and clear - drive legally or your bike will be crushed.
Warwickshrie Police are becoming increasingly concerned about the menace mini motorbikes cause and the dangers to both rider and the public when the bikes are ridden irresponsibly.
Over the last six months, Warwickshire Police have seized approximately 135 motorcycles for being ridden illegally or where the rider has run away from police and abandoned their bikes.
This summer, Warwickshire Police are continuing to crack down on nuisance motorcyclists and will seize and crush any mini motorbikes that are being ridden illegally.
Sgt Charles Harrison, based at Bedworth police station, said: "This is becoming an increasing problem all over the county and apart from the nuisance factor, we are very concerned that someone will be seriously injured or die as a result of irresponsible riding."
There have been several nationwide fatalities involving mini motorbikes since 2004.
Sgt Harrison said: "There are some parents who know their children are riding these motorcycles on the roads and in public parks.
"They are happy for the bikes to be kept at home and ridden by their children without crash helmets, protective equipment or the appropriate documentation.
"I would urge parents to consider the risks involved in riding without protection and also to be aware that they can be prosecuted for allowing their children to ride the bikes without insurance, a licence and crash helmets in public places.
"I would reiterate that responsibility starts at home to curb this dangerous and anti-social practice."
Safer neighbourhood teams throughout the county are cracking down on irresponsible motorbike use.
In Bedworth, officers are carrying out high visibility patrols, especially in areas known to be used by illegal bike riders such as Keresley and targeting individuals suspected of irresponsible riding.
Domehawk cameras are being put up in areas where the nuisance is persistent, to enable police to capture on camera the offenders' in action.
Know the law on mini motorcycles
* If these vehicles are not registered for the road, they may only be used legally on private land, including parks and forests, only with the direct permission of the landowner, which in many cases will be the local authority.
* Mini-motos cannot be used on a public road unless they are licensed, taxed, and insured, or a footpath or cycle route under any circumstances
* When these vehicles are used on roads, riders must be licensed, aged 16 or over and wearing an approved (E-marked, kite-marked) crash helmet.
* Any child using a mini-moto should be supervised by a responsible adult to ensure its safe use.
* If a mini-moto is ridden illegally or in a careless or anti-social manner (that is causing or likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress) they may be seized by the police under section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002 powers.
* Riders using mini motos and other such vehicles illegally on public roads and footpaths can also be prosecuted under road traffic legislation, fined and receive points on their licences.
