Off-road bikes crushed in Christmas warning

Illegal off-road bikes which can blight neighbourhoods have been crushed as a stark warning to residents not to buy them as Christmas presents.

The bikes were crushed outside Tesco stores in Burnage and Gorton on Sunday 12 December, as part of a campaign run by Manchester City Council and Greater Manchester Police.

The events are taking place to warn people not to buy the illegal bikes as Christmas presents, as any that are found will be seized and crushed.

Meanwhile, messages reminding people not to buy the bikes will also appear in magazines, newspapers and websites used to advertise them, as well as on social networking site Facebook.

It is illegal to use the off-road bikes anywhere in Manchester, and the bikes cause a nuisance for residents as they are ridden through estates or on open land throughout the city.

The bikes are also dangerous, for the people who ride them as well as for other motorists and pedestrians.

Councillor Jim Battle, Manchester City Council's deputy leader, said: "The message is very simple - don't buy these bikes for Christmas presents. If you do, they'll be seized and crushed in the new year.

"Residents often tell us they're sick and tired of the nuisance caused by people riding these bikes in their neighbourhoods. They don't have to put up with this, and anyone irresponsible enough to use one of these bikes in Manchester should know it's only a matter of time before we destroy it."

Sergeant Stuart Simms, who covers Gorton, said: "We want to make it clear to owners of off-road bikes that we will not put up with their use in public places. It is illegal to drive them on any public road or public space and not only are they a nuisance, but they are also a real danger to both the public and the rider.

"I want to reassure members of the public that police take off-road bikes seriously and action will be taken against anyone flouting the law or putting their lives or others at risk by riding them dangerously."

For more information visit www.manchester.gov.uk/offroad

Anyone who knows of someone riding an illegal bike in Manchester should call the police on 0161 872 5050.