Off Road Bikes Advice

Off Road Bikes

• Despite their name ‘off road’ bikes still need to be taxed and insured to be used on public roads.
• Most off road bikers behave responsibly and respect other road users.  However there is a small minority that choose to ride dangerously on public roads, footpaths putting the public in danger as well as themselves and on farmland without permission causing damage to crops and grazing.  Police are targeting these riders, taking them to court and seizing their bikes.
• Riding unregistered off-road bikes on public roads is illegal because they can only be ridden on private land with the landowner’s permission.  They are not insured to drive on public roads and will also not be taxed.
• Each year, thousands of people are injured or killed by uninsured drivers and without the correct insurance their compensation comes from the Motor Insurers’ Bureau. This bill is paid for through the insurance premiums of all law abiding motorists.(MiB)
• Evidence suggests that uninsured vehicles are consistently used to conduct wider criminal activity, and are more likely to be involved in a collision, so by targeting uninsured drivers we can help deter criminal activity and remove their means of transport and make our roads safer.
• There may be other offences committed such as no driving licence.
• We need the public’s help.  Police are appealing to the public to help them identify anyone who rides an unregistered off road bike or quad so that they can be removed from the roads. If you see someone return home on an unmarked bike or quad please let us know, also if there is another vehicle linked to the bikes/quads such as a van that may be transporting them.  If you have any information on the identity of the rider, please report online at www.warwickshire.police.uk or by calling 101.  Information can also be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.