The Government and the National Governing Body of motorcycle sport in the Country, the Auto-Cycle Union are calling on parents considering buying a mini motorbike for Christmas for their child to stop and think before they buy.
The Department for Transport (DfT) and Auto Cycle Union (ACU) want parents to think about the consequences of what might appear to be exciting presents but in reality is often a bigger danger than expected.
Dr Stephen Ladyman, Road Safety Minister and himself a keen motorcyclist warns:
"These bikes may be thought of as 'toys', but they are not. They are fully-fledged motor vehicles; some are capable of travelling at speeds of up to 40mph. While some versions are well made, others, which may seem good value for money, are poor quality and require a high level of maintenance to be kept in a safe condition.
"The vast majority of these machines cannot and must not be used on the roads or in public areas. While they can be a great deal of fun if used sensibly, irresponsible use can and has had fatal consequences. And don't forget if you break the law, they will be seized by the police and crushed."
It is important that parents remember that these bikes are only for use on private property and with the permission of the landowner. Housing estates, footpaths, parks and playing fields are not to be used and anyone caught using a mini bike in these areas risk having their machine confiscated and receiving a fine.
If you do want to get a mini-motorbike for your child, look for a properly-supervised off-road area where he or she can be trained to ride in safety. Make sure that riders wear appropriate clothing and a helmet. Remember too that the bike must be transported (whether in a trailer, van or car boot) to that supervised area.
The ACU believe that if used in a safe and legal environment they can provide hours of entertainment, and a valuable learning experience. Guidelines are provided by the ACU for Local Authorities to create mini bike clubs and provide training so that a child can have fun and learn useful skills in a safe and secure environment.
Dave Luscombe, Head of ACU's Local Authority Support Unit (LASU) said:
"LASU are working with many Authorities across the Country in providing legal areas for owners of minimoto's and off road motorcycles. These areas in which clubs/projects are now up and running have seen a 90% reduction in the number of complaints of illicit/illegal riding."
Rev and Go, based in Cotgrave, Nottinghamshire is a good example of how local clubs can encourage the use of mini motorbikes in a legal environment and train children and young people to use them responsibly and safely.
The group is the brainchild of, Daniel Hegarty who says:
"My interest in motorbikes began from a very young age. When I was twelve I realised that I got a buzz from riding motorbikes like many other lads my age. I knew that I wanted to make a career out of riding motorbikes but to me it was only a dream. My passion for riding mini-moto's meant that on occasions I had the chance to ride them illegally around the streets without all the right safety gear.
"This was something I didn't want my friends and I to have to choose. I took the decision, with help from supporters, to start a club to ride off road and legally. It was hard work but it was the best thing that I ever did. It opened up opportunities that riding illegally would have prevented. If I had gone down the dodgy road then I wouldn't be on my way to better things like I am now. I have come from being a noisy kid in the field to competing with the big boys in the British Superstock Championships; a dream which if I'd made the wrong choice would never have come true."
Craig Carey-Clinch from the Motor Cycle Industry Association said:
"MCI endorses this DfT initiative. Mini-bikes and other motorcycles for use on private property are not 'toys' but motor vehicles, where use demands observance of user legal responsibilities. This means only riding on private land with the landowner's express permission. MCI strongly supports properly organised off road riding areas as a way of engaging young people and allowing a motorcycling experience in a structured environment. Young people should become involved with this and find out more about the exciting off road motorcycle sport opportunities which can lead from becoming involved in a safe and legal way."
The Department for Transport (DfT) and Auto Cycle Union (ACU) want parents to think about the consequences of what might appear to be exciting presents but in reality is often a bigger danger than expected.
Dr Stephen Ladyman, Road Safety Minister and himself a keen motorcyclist warns:
"These bikes may be thought of as 'toys', but they are not. They are fully-fledged motor vehicles; some are capable of travelling at speeds of up to 40mph. While some versions are well made, others, which may seem good value for money, are poor quality and require a high level of maintenance to be kept in a safe condition.
"The vast majority of these machines cannot and must not be used on the roads or in public areas. While they can be a great deal of fun if used sensibly, irresponsible use can and has had fatal consequences. And don't forget if you break the law, they will be seized by the police and crushed."
It is important that parents remember that these bikes are only for use on private property and with the permission of the landowner. Housing estates, footpaths, parks and playing fields are not to be used and anyone caught using a mini bike in these areas risk having their machine confiscated and receiving a fine.
If you do want to get a mini-motorbike for your child, look for a properly-supervised off-road area where he or she can be trained to ride in safety. Make sure that riders wear appropriate clothing and a helmet. Remember too that the bike must be transported (whether in a trailer, van or car boot) to that supervised area.
The ACU believe that if used in a safe and legal environment they can provide hours of entertainment, and a valuable learning experience. Guidelines are provided by the ACU for Local Authorities to create mini bike clubs and provide training so that a child can have fun and learn useful skills in a safe and secure environment.
Dave Luscombe, Head of ACU's Local Authority Support Unit (LASU) said:
"LASU are working with many Authorities across the Country in providing legal areas for owners of minimoto's and off road motorcycles. These areas in which clubs/projects are now up and running have seen a 90% reduction in the number of complaints of illicit/illegal riding."
Rev and Go, based in Cotgrave, Nottinghamshire is a good example of how local clubs can encourage the use of mini motorbikes in a legal environment and train children and young people to use them responsibly and safely.
The group is the brainchild of, Daniel Hegarty who says:
"My interest in motorbikes began from a very young age. When I was twelve I realised that I got a buzz from riding motorbikes like many other lads my age. I knew that I wanted to make a career out of riding motorbikes but to me it was only a dream. My passion for riding mini-moto's meant that on occasions I had the chance to ride them illegally around the streets without all the right safety gear.
"This was something I didn't want my friends and I to have to choose. I took the decision, with help from supporters, to start a club to ride off road and legally. It was hard work but it was the best thing that I ever did. It opened up opportunities that riding illegally would have prevented. If I had gone down the dodgy road then I wouldn't be on my way to better things like I am now. I have come from being a noisy kid in the field to competing with the big boys in the British Superstock Championships; a dream which if I'd made the wrong choice would never have come true."
Craig Carey-Clinch from the Motor Cycle Industry Association said:
"MCI endorses this DfT initiative. Mini-bikes and other motorcycles for use on private property are not 'toys' but motor vehicles, where use demands observance of user legal responsibilities. This means only riding on private land with the landowner's express permission. MCI strongly supports properly organised off road riding areas as a way of engaging young people and allowing a motorcycling experience in a structured environment. Young people should become involved with this and find out more about the exciting off road motorcycle sport opportunities which can lead from becoming involved in a safe and legal way."
No comments:
Post a Comment