'Not everything should be left to the police': Parents urged take responsibility over off-road bike riding

A councillor has said parents need to “take ownership” of children riding illegal off-road bikes in Knottingley after reports of very young riders on the Warwick Estate.

Coun Adele Hayes (Lib Dem/Knottingley and Ferrybridge) said off-road bikes, quads and electric scooters were a “real worry” in the ward and described the issue as dangerous.

She said: “Off-road bikes, quads and electric scooter are a real worry in our ward. I see it daily and it's so dangerous.

"I think we need to raise awareness on what the dangers are, not everything should be left to the police. We need to take ownership if we are buying these for our children."

The comments came after the Wakefield Express reported on September 14 that illegal off-road motorbike riders as young as nine-years-old are intimidating for people on the Warwick Estate, according to one resident.

The resident said: "You see nine or ten-year-olds olds on the pit bikes and it's frightening." They added: "They pull wheelies. They get really close to the back of the car and if you are driving it's really intimidating."

Coun Rachel Rachel Speak (Lib Dem/Knottingley and Ferrybridge) said councillors regularly receive reports about dangerous riding and excessive noise, which can be “frightening and intimidating for residents.”

She said: “We must also work with parents to make them aware of the very real dangers and the devastating consequences these bikes can have.

"We encourage residents to keep reporting incidents, so we have the evidence needed to bring the police’s specialist off-road bike team into our area.”

Coun William Garbutt (Reform/Knottingley and Ferrybridge) said the problem is Knottingley wide.

He said: "I see it mainly on Hill Top you have traffic going both ways and they will come along and pull wheelies.

"They have no fear of the consequences and they certainly don't have any fear of the police.”

A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said there is a dedicated off-road motorbike team in Wakefield District working to address the illegal and anti-social use of off-road bikes.

The force said it is trying to raise awareness and educate people as well, including parents who may be involved in buying these vehicles.

It added that off-road bikes can be used legally on private land with the landowner’s permission, and on a public highway only if they have DVLA registration, road tax, a valid MOT, fitted working lights and registration plates, and the rider is 17 or over, or 16 if the vehicle meets the definition of a moped, and holds a valid driving licence, valid motor insurance and suitable safety equipment.

The spokesperson said it is “clearly concerning” that younger children are being seen on the bikes and urged people to report incidents so officers can patrol hotspot areas at key times.

Footage of the illegal use of off-road bikes can be sent to the force’s online Op Snap Portal. Information about illegal off-road riding in communities can be reported on 101 or online.