Trial bikes 'distressing' families in outdoor areas

Proper use of trial bikes was good for young people, said one man

Surrey Police has said it is "proactively looking" for people illegally riding motorcycles in outdoor areas.

The force said it had received increased reports of people riding trial bikes at "dangerous speeds" in Lightwater Country Park, Barossa Common and common land off Old Guildford Road.

Officers added this behaviour "distressed" and endangered families and dogs, alongside riders themselves.

Jim Brookman, chairman of the Surrey Youth Trials Club, said the vast majority of riders were responsible and rode their trial bikes in permitted areas with clubs.

He told the BBC it was important for local authorities to help provide spaces where riders could practice legitimately.

"There is always balance in these things," he said.

"Trial bike riding [at clubs] teaches young people how to safely operate vehicles, discipline and improves their social skills."

"It gets kids off the sofa and away from their screens into the fresh air and doing some exercise," Mr Brookman added.

People using parks should be responsible, a councillor said

Shaun Macdonald, leader of Surrey Heath Borough Council, told BBC Radio Surrey there were designated places where people enjoy using their bikes if they get permission.

Trial bike riding could damage the "absolutely pristine" Lightwater Country Park, which contains protected species and a conservation area, he added.

"Just be a responsible park user - that's the key thing," Mr Macdonald continued.

Uninsured riders face prosecution

BBC Radio Surrey spoke to several people at Barossa Common who said they had not seen trial bikes in the area in years.

Differing from motocross, trial bike riding involves navigating obstacles and tricky routes at slower speeds.

Riding motorbikes can also create loud noises that disturb an area, according to Surrey Police Borough Commander Ryan Scott.

Anti-social riders could have their bikes seized or face prosecution if they are uninsured, he added.

Officers could target problem trial bike riding if it was reported more by the public, said Mr Scott

Mr Scott told BBC Radio Surrey police community support officers regularly patrolled Lightwater country park.

He urged the public to report antisocial, reckless or dangerous use of vehicles on either the common or roads.

"We are data-driven," Mr Scott said. "If we know that there's a hotspot area at certain times of the day... we'll target that location".