Warning to parents thinking of buying mini motor or off road bikes this Christmas

Every year the police and the Council receive a number of complaints from members of the public about the noise, environmental damage and the dangers caused by these bikes, and Christmas time unfortunately is no different.

“Where on Earth Are You Going to Ride Your Bike This Christmas” is the key message emblazoned on posters developed by police in a bid to discourage parents thinking of buying their children one of these bikes this year.

Although this tongue in cheek message is not to be taken lightly!

South Wales Police Superintendent Martin Jones stated “Unfortunately it would appear that mini motorbikes and scramblers have become the latest trend among young children, this is causing real problems within communities in terms of danger, noise and damage”

“The message in this campaign is not only warn parents of the fact that there are very few places where these bikes can be ridden legally, but also to highlight that every year throughout the country children lose their lives or suffer serious injury because of their use.

“Government advice in fact is that children riding mini motorbike should be closely supervised by an adult as there is significant risk of fatal or serious injury”

“If you are thinking of buying one of these bikes but haven’t done so yet, we would ask that you support us in this campaign so to insure that everyone can have a very merry but safe Christmas and New Year

“However if despite this stark warning from police, you still decide to buy a mini motorbike or off road bike there are other legal requirements that you need to consider along with your child’s safety.”

Other legal requirements for these vehicles include:

· They can't be used on public roads unless suitably roadworthy, taxed, insured and registered with a licensed rider.

· Approved crash helmets should be worn unless the rider is exempted.

· Bikes can't be used on a public footpath.

· They should not be used in a way that causes alarm, distress or annoyance to members of the public.

If those riding the bikes are found to be doing so without complying with these requirements and re doing so inappropriately then the police have powers to confiscate and possibly scrap the bike.

Picture Christmas morning; your child wakes to find that Santa has left just what they have asked for; a mini motorbike. Now picture the day when because the vehicle is being driven illegally, it is confiscated and your child’s pride and joy is taken away.

South Wales Police will not tolerate vehicles being driven illegally and causing unnecessary alarm and distress to other members of the public. If you are experiencing any of the problems caused through the use of illegal motorcycles, or if you know of anyone who frequently rides their bike illegally, please contact Bridgend Police Station on 01656 655 555, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Download a printable version of this poster