MOUNTAIN bikers have been urged to stick to dedicated routes after damage was caused to a number of woodland sites in the Bradford district.

Damage included areas dug up to create bike jumps (pictured), trees cut down by bikers creating their own tracks, disturbance to wildlife, graffiti and damage from campfires.

Bradford Council says some areas have been damaged by the increased uptake of the sport during lockdown which has continued over the spring and summer this year.

A spokesman said: "There are a number of recommended routes and dedicated areas across the district for mountain bikes and BMX riders on the Cycle Bradford and Ilkley MTB websites. These are areas recommended for riders and where there is less likely to be a negative impact on the land."

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Cllr Sarah Ferriby, Portfolio Holder for Healthy People and Places, said: “While it’s great that people want to get outdoors on their bikes, we also want to protect our woodlands, parks and countryside sites, so that everyone can enjoy them.

"We also need to protect our trees, plants and wildlife.

“For that reason, we would ask that people please use designated mountain bike routes.”