Plea to stop rogue bikers in Ravenscliffe, Fagley and Calverley (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Plea to stop rogue bikers in Ravenscliffe, Fagley and Calverley

7:10am Saturday 2nd June 2012 in News By Tanya O'Rourke

This photograph shows why a major police crackdown is under way to drive nuisance off-road motorcycles and quad bikes out of Bradford.

Residents have raised concerns about off-road bikes being ridden dangerously in woodland and estates – particularly in Ravenscliffe, Fagley and Calverley.

Ravenscliffe Woods has been a hotspot for illegal riders, police said.

One man, who did not want to be named, said he sees groups of riders in Eccleshill Park most evenings and he’s worried about children getting in the paths of dangerous bikers.

He said: “It’s so worrying that someone is going to get run over by these guys. Sometimes the bikes go past and I have seen people dive out off the footpath into the bushes so they don’t get hit.”

Police say dangerous off-roading is a long-running problem over the summer months. Two days of action were held last weekend, after which officers patrolling the area observed a noticeable drop in the number of offroaders.

During the operation warnings were issued to seven bikers and four riders were stopped and searched. A quad bike was seized for having no insurance and a motorcycle was also seized.

Further operations will take place to tackle the problem.

PC Blair Mitchell, of the Eccleshill Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT), said: “This was a large-scale operation launched with colleagues from Leeds and the Council's Parkwatch and I hope its got a message out there that we are listening to residents’ concerns regarding this issue.

“Ravenscliffe Woods has often been a focal point for illegal riders from the area it is clear the active patrolling did help deter those usually out causing mischief.

“Active patrolling will continue over the summer months in Ravenscliffe and the surrounding areas and more operations are planned.”

Residents are asked to be vigilant and report dangerous bikes to police – where possible taking a note of registration numbers, times, dates and locations. Anyone with information about illegal or nuisance off-road riding in Eccleshill is asked to phone the NPT on 101 or Crimestoppers on (0800) 555 111.