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Last Updated: Saturday, 17 April, 2004, 10:59 GMT 11:59 UK
Bikers calling for country track
Trail bike
There are an estimated 200 trail bikers in Cornwall
Off-road motorcyclists in Cornwall claim there is not enough provision for them in the county, which is why some are using sensitive countryside areas.

Motorbike clubs say the numbers of people trail-biking in the county has increased considerably in recent years.

Police said they had seen a rise in the complaints from members of the public.

Cornwall County Council land managers, trail-biking groups and the police are to have a meeting on Sunday to discuss plans to set up an off-road track.

It is having a detrimental effect on all motorcyclists
Howard Stevens
Howard Stevens, chairman of Camborne and Redruth Motorcycle Club, said he had seen an increase in people taking up the hobby over the last decade.

He estimated that there were about 200 trail bikers in the county, but not all of them used permitted areas.

He said: "What we are seeing an increase of, I'm sad to say, is kids getting old bikes and riding where they shouldn't ride.

"This is causing problems because it is having a detrimental effect on all motorcyclists, and that's something we want to stop."

New approach

Carrick district Community Safety Officer Sergeant Bob Murray said he had seen a rise in the number of complaints from members of the public.

He said the force and other agencies have been looking for a site in Cornwall to hold a safe trail-biking day for the past year and this illustrates the difficulty of finding somewhere permanent for the hobby.

He said: "If we get a complaint, by the time we get there they'll have gone and we'll have deployed officers that could have tackled a call elsewhere.

"This why we want to tackle it by an educational approach.

"There are by-ways where you can ride motorcycles, but not bridle paths, not footpaths, or on moorland or common land."

Police are lobbying the DVLA to include information on how to recognise a legal trail in the countryside when bikers apply for a provisional licence.

A safe trail-biking event is being held at Burthy Row Farm at Fraddon on Sunday which will offer information on clubs and groups in the county.

People who attend will also discuss trying to set up a permanent trail-biking area in the county.




SEE ALSO:
Forum looks at motorcycle safety
24 Mar 04  |  Cornwall


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