Off-road bikes
Are you thinking of buying a quad bike, mini motorbike or go-ped for your child to ride off-road in Manchester?
DON'T - there is nowhere legal to ride them.
- If these bikes are ridden off-road, you will be breaking the law and risk of a hefty fine, having the bike seized, being subject to ASB enforcement powers and/or a potential breach of your tenancy;
- It is illegal to ride off road vehicles such as quads, scramblers, mini-motos and go-peds on any public spaces in Manchester. This includes parks, pavements, waste grounds or parkways;
- To ride a bike on the road it must be especially built for road use. The rider would have to be over 16 and will need registration documents, MOT, road tax, insurance, a licence and an approved crash helmet just like a real motorbike; and
- Riders risk serious injury, even death, to themselves and pedestrians.
Is there anywhere legal to ride them?
There are no places to legally ride off-road vehicles within Manchester.
However, there are organisations that you can join across the north west that provide information on specially staged events and practice grounds where off-road bikes and quad bikes can be ridden legally. The Amateur Motorcycle Association is a good place to start looking.
Report off-road bikers:
We and the police receive many complaints relating to off-road bike causing a nuisance and we are determined to tackle this problem in order to improve the quality of life and safety of local people.
If you see any off road bikers in your area you can report them to:
- Police through the non-emergency number 101 or;
- By completing the web form or
- Calling Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Keep a record of:
- The riders clothing;
- Whether they're wearing a helmet;
- The rider's approximate age;
- The type of off-road bike - quad bike, scrambler, mini-moto, a go-ped or something else?
- The location; and
- The name and address of the rider, if you know it.