‘ABSOLUTE MORONS’ PUTTING THE PUBLIC AT RISK
❝ Lots of people are very agitated by it. We’re British and we play by the rules. You’re not meant to do this Councillor Mark Weston
ACOUNCILLOR has hit out at “absolute morons” dangerously riding off-road bikes in parks.
Councillor Mark Weston, who represents Henbury and Brentry, says “hooligans” have been speeding motorised trail bikes over green spaces and streets in his ward during recent months.
Mr Weston, the leader of Bristol’s Tory group, believes the worst-hit places are Crow Lane Open Space, Arnall Drive Playing Fields and Tormarton Crescent.
He said: “I’ve had near misses reported to me. One old lady had to dive off a path. It really is silly.
“Some absolute morons seem to think it’s fun to ride trail bikes over open spaces, where they’re not allowed.
“Lots of people are very agitated by it. We’re British and we play by the rules. You’re not meant to do this.”
Mr Weston says the bikers ride in small groups on a daily basis. He believes they are mostly in their late teens and early 20s.
Asked how fast they travel, he replied: “I can’t judge speed, but it’s fast – if they crashed into someone it could be a tragedy.
“One of the problems we’ve got is there are 17 access points to Crow Lane Open Space, and there are probably the same number of informal ones.
“The barriers are only a foot high, and you could probably lift a trail bike over them.
“I’ve been liaising with Bristol City Council’s parks department about trying to restrict access to trail bikes, but then you risk blocking things like mobility scooters as well. It’s very tricky.”
The councillor thinks the riders pose a “real danger” to people who visit the parks. He is particularly worried for children who use the play area at Crow Lane.
“There is a path running behind the play area, and the bikers go tearing up that,” he added. “They are often around at school pick-up time, which is irresponsible. It’s been going on for several months and our patience has run out as a community.”
Last year Avon and Somerset police warned mopeds could be seized and crushed due to antisocial riding in Staple Hill and Emersons Green.
Mr Weston said: “I would love to see the bikes in Henbury taken away and crushed. It has happened in the past and I would love to see it now.
“The police have been out in force over the last couple of days. I’m glad they’ve been visible and I hope that continues, but obviously they can’t be everywhere all the time.
“The riders might wait round the corner for police to leave, and then it becomes a game of cat and mouse.
“Action needs to be taken against the perpetrators. I would like to see them being taken to court, as far as I’m concerned.”
Mr Weston has been reporting incidents of dangerous riding to police. He urges locals to do the same with any information, number plates, photos or videos.
Mr Weston added: “The community as a whole should look to come together and hand on as much as they can.”
An Avon and Somerset police spokeswoman said: “We are aware of this issue and a problem solving plan has been created in consultation with partner agencies.
“Intelligence from the general public is vital to help us build a clearer picture of anti-social behaviour occurring in the area and enable us to target our resources effectively.
“We therefore encourage the public to report incidences of antisocial behaviour, and to capture footage if safe to do so, so that we can identify and seize the bike(s) involved in offences.
“If you know who is riding these bikes, and/or have information about where they are being stored, please contact us on 101,” she said.