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Plea To Provide Mini Moto Track
[Oxford Mail] By Matt Wilkinson
Oxford University has been asked to help solve problems caused by the antisocial use of mini moto bikes.
The Blackbird Leys Neighbourhood Action Team (Nat) has written to the university's Vice-Chancellor Dr John Hood asking if it owns any land that could be used to build a track where they could be legally raced.
A recent survey on the estate revealed youngsters riding the bikes illegally on streets and in parks was one of the resident's top three concerns.
For the past 18 months, police have issued warnings to parents and motorbike riders explaining the dangers and legal pitfalls they face if caught using them illegally.
A plan proposed earlier this year to build a track at Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre has been shelved by the Nat because it would be too close to people's homes.
Val Smith, county councillor for Blackbird Leys and a Nat committee member, said a letter had been sent to Oxford University asking to use land at Meadow Lane, which belongs to Christ Church, or other vacant property the university could offer.
Mrs Smith added: "Around the city these bikes are driving people round the bend. We are coming round to Christmas again and many parents will be buying these bikes with the best intentions.
"The site in Blackbird Leys was a no-go so we are thinking constructively and have gone to Oxford University.
"I live next to Gillians Park (in Blackbird Leys) where they often go and it drives me round the bend - it's like hearing a loud gnat.
"A track is not for the trouble-makers. It would be for the children of parents who have got these bikes legitimately.
"It seems unfair that there are reasonable and responsible parents with sensible children who have nowhere to go on these bikes.
"We have not gone to the university before on issues like this, but why not now? They are part of the city too."
Any mini moto track which got the go-ahead would not be funded by the university.
Oxford University spokesman Maria Coyle said the request was being considered by the university's estates office.
Reckless mini-motorbike riders can receive points on their licence, be banned from driving, fined or even have their vehicles crushed.
It is currently illegal to ride unregistered mini motos, which can reach speeds of up to 60mph, in parks and on public highways. Offenders, including those too young to hold a licence, can expect to receive points when they do pass their test.
If they are used in a public place, riders must have a crash helmet, road tax disc, an MoT certificate and insurance.
Nationally, the Motorcycle Industry Association estimates that sales of mini motos have increased from 10,000 in 2002 to an estimated 100,000 in 2005, although police believe there could be even more on the streets.
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