Offroad Biking
If you ride your off-road motor vehicle around Torfaen the chances are you are breaking the law.
Mini motorbikes and trial bikes are getting more and more popular and in the run up to Christmas it is important that people become aware of the restrictions around riding these bikes on the roads and on public land before making this very expensive purchase.
Over the past 18 months there have been two serious accidents involving motorbikes in and around the Torfaen area - one above Blaenafon and the other at the British. In one of the cases a helicopter had to be called to rescue a man who was injured and isolated in the mountains.
Gwent Police and Torfaen Council receive calls each week from members of the public wishing to report off-road vehicles driving around the countryside.
If you want to ride, make sure you follow these guidelines to ensure you ride legally:
You Must Not: Ride on public land, parks, pavements and pathways
You Must Not: Ride unlicensed bikes on public roads
You Must: Always use a van or trailer to transport the off-road vehicle to the legitimate riding area.
If you do not follow the guidelines you will be breaking the law. When the police catch up with you, you run the risk of:
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Your bike being seized and crushed
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Receipt of a heavy fine
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If you are able to reclaim your bike after seizure, expect a charge of more than £100
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Points on your driving licence or on your parents driving licence
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Disqualification
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Imprisonment
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An Anti-Social Behaviour Order
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An unlimited civil claim
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Serious injury to yourself and others
What you can do to help
Torfaen Council has set up an anonymous form on the internet where anyone can log on and report problems anonymously and the Police will follow them up.
Visit Torfaen's Offroad Biking page|
There are over 80 tracks around the UK. If you would like more information on how to ride legally please contact the Auto-cycle Union(www.acu.org.uk|) who are the governing body for the sport.