Nottinghamshire Police officers are dealing with an increase of people riding motorbike dangerously. The Gedling neighbourhood policing team has seen an increase of reports from residents regarding drivers pulling wheelies in the road and travelling along pavements in the Gedling, Carlton and Colwick areas.
One of the affected streets includes Waverley Avenue, Gedling. Councillor Mike Adams, Carlton East Councillor for Nottinghamshire County Council, posted about the issue on social media. He stated" Recently it has come to my attention that some unlicensed motorbikes have been driving down the road, pulling wheelies. Also driving on the pavement at times as well. This is incredibly dangerous and is risking injuring members of the public. This has been reported to the Gedling Police Inspector and action is being taken."
The area’s neighbourhood policing inspector, Inspector Mark Stanley, of Nottinghamshire Police, warned those involved about the consequences of their actions.
Inspector Stanley said: “This sort of antisocial behaviour is a real nuisance to the community and can impact people’s quality of life. People who do this might just see it as a bit of fun but it actually puts the safety of other road users and pedestrians – not to mention themselves – at risk.
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“Thankfully we haven’t had any reports of anyone being injured because of this but it’s ridiculous really that anyone would think it’s acceptable to ride their bikes in such a dangerous manner. As always, my sole concern is keeping people in the community safe, which is why we’re treating this so seriously and why we’ll continue to do whatever we can to try and prevent this type of antisocial behaviour.”
The neighbourhood policing team have seen a rise in the last month of these types of incidents, and have been carrying out additional patrols in hotspot areas to deter riders. The team is also set to work alongside the force’s specialist off-road bike team to try and catch offenders in the act.
Inspector Stanley added: "Obviously, this relies on us being there at the right time to confront those involved. The best thing we can do is provide a visible presence on the streets to provide a deterrence and try to engage with anyone we see acting in this way.
“If we can prosecute anyone we stop, we’ll also try to do that. Offenders also risk having their bikes seized. People will automatically think those who are doing this will only be young people but that’s actually not the case – it’s adults too who really should know better.
“Typically, a lot of the people involved aren’t insured and don’t have a licence, which is clearly unacceptable. This needs to stop, so it’s really important that anyone who knows someone involved tells us, so that we can speak to them and explain how dangerous what they’re doing is."
A Highways manager for Nottinghamshire County Council said: “We’re aware of issue of unlicensed motorcycles being ridden in the Waverley Avenue area and share the concerns of local residents. The footpath at the end of Waverley Avenue is a public right of way and we are unable to install barriers as it would prevent access for users with reduced mobility, for example mobility scooters.
“We urge any residents affected to report the activity to Nottinghamshire Police.” Anyone with information regarding the incidents should contact the police on 101, or report something anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”
A 64 year old man who lives nearby, said: “It’s particularly bad at the moment, at the weekends they tear up and down here, at around 20 to 30 mph. They come one after the other, they take over cars, undertake cars, they’re just an absolute menace. Totally blasé about any regulations or laws.
“I’ve been living in this area for over 30 years and we’ve never had anything like this until recently.”
A women who live in Waverley Avenue and asked not to be named, said : “It’s so dangerous and irresponsible. There is a school around here. I feel nervous when I hear them.”
Nicola Hill, 41, a stay-at-home mum said: “It’s all around the area, you can hear it a few streets down near where I live. Driving on the path is the worst part. I have kids, we should be able to walk the pavement without thinking about those motorbikes.”
Sarah Robinson, 35, who lives near Waverley Avenue, said: “They drive around the other streets nearby sometimes as well. That’s the kind of distribution they are causing. It seems to be mostly on weekends, during the afternoon. I’m glad to hear that the police are aware, hopefully that brings a stop to this soon.”
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