Reckless and dangerous riders of off-road bikes in Reading have been blasted with alarming reports of balaclava clad riders speeding and endangering road users.
The issue was raised in a debate in Parliament, as the Labour government’s Crime and Policing Bill would make it easier for police forces to confiscate vehicles associated with anti-social behaviour’.
Matt Rodda, the Labour MP for Reading Central welcomed proposed measures to tackle what he called ‘a terrible form of anti-social behaviour’.
Mr Rodda said: “I want to point out two examples of how serious this problem is in my community of Reading, and the really serious appalling incidents that residents have seen in recent times.
“In the first case, a group of riders on high-powered electric bikes clad in black with balaclavas and hoodies, with no helmets, were pulling wheelies down the Reading Inner Distribution Road.
“That is a major trunk road that runs round the town centre. It is full of cars and vehicles, and it has a 40 mph speed limit, so it is totally unsuitable for off-road bikes.
“That is extremely reckless and dangerous.
“It puts other people’s lives at risk along with the lives of the riders. I think that incident was appalling and action should be taken.
“The second example was in some ways even worse. I saw it myself and reported it to the police. It was an example of a similar group and similar behaviour.
“They were dressed in the same way, riding motorbikes next to the River Thames in Caversham, which is a suburb of Reading. There is a ramp to a footbridge by the river there.
“There was a group of young people clad in black with high-powered bikes using it to do Evel Knievel-style jumps through the air.
“There were families having picnics nearby and people trying to use the footbridge.
“That is an example of the sort of appalling behaviour that unfortunately exists around the country.”
Olivia Bailey, the Labour MP for Reading West and Mid Berkshire added: “We know that many of the illegal bikes that he is describing in his constituency will cross the boundary into mine.
“People in Tilehurst and the villages in my constituency are absolutely fed up of these bikes. They are dangerous, they are a menace, and they are often associated with criminal activity.”
Both the MPs went on to thank Thames Valley Police for their efforts.
Officers have used drones to track down riders using illegal bikes.
Once the offenders are parked, officers can confiscate the bikes and arrest riders.
The debate took place on Wednesday, March 5.
