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Police Set up Clubs for Mini-Bike Riders
MINI-MOTORBIKE riders are to get a place to show off their skills under a police attempt to curb illegal off-road riding.
Warwickshire Police is to launch two mini moto clubs for youngsters aged between eight and 16 at Coventry Stadium, Brandon, and in Rugby.
Trained police community support officers will run the clubs with the help of members of the Auto Cycle Union, so the young bikers can ride their motorbikes legally and safely.
They will also be able to learn new skills.
A launch event will be held at Coventry Stadium – home of Coventry Bees speedway team – next Saturday, June 23.
A second event has been organised for Saturday, July 14, in Overslade, Rugby.
PC Ian Tatton, of the Warwickshire Police Bikesafe team, said: “We want to promote safe biking and that includes the youngsters, too.
“The only place where off-road vehicles can be lawfully ridden is on private land with the express permission of the landowner whether on payment or otherwise.
“This course is designed to test the youngsters’ skills with different bends and obstacles requiring a variety of skills.
“The idea is to provide the kids with an area where they can legally ride the mini motos under expert supervision.”
PC Tatton said many parents mistakenly believed their children were legally allowed to ride mini motos on wasteland.
He said the law prohibits the use of bikes in parks and nature reserves, rights of way and bridle paths.
Every motorbike has to be registered with the DVLA to be used on roads.
They must also be taxed and insured and need an MOT certificate if they are more than three years old.
PC Tatton said: “The children will be assessed before they are allowed on the course and basic safety checks will be carried out on the bikes to ensure they are safe.
The launch event will be between 10am and 1pm.
Youngsters don’t need to book but will have to pay a year’s joining fee of £10 to cover insurance. Each event will cost £3.
For more information call Fran Carty on 01788 541 111 or PC Ian Tatton on 01926 415 000.
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