Summer safety campaign revving up to target nuisance bikes

Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s ASB Team and Staffordshire Police are going full throttle on nuisance bikes, as the warmer months approach.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s ASB Team and Staffordshire Police are going full throttle on nuisance bikes, as the warmer months approach.
 

The safety campaign forms part of Operation Transom. The joint operation targets riders who damage green spaces and put the public at risk through the use of off-road motorbikes, electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric scooters (e-scooters) when not used lawfully.

The summer safety campaign will also serve as educational reminders for how best to use the vehicles and will see increased council and police presence at known hot spots across the city.

E-scooter users are reminded:
The rules for motor vehicles also apply to e-scooters, including the need for a licence and insurance.

There are only two ways to use an e-scooter: by privately owning one or by renting one through an authorised rental scheme.

It is illegal to use e-scooters on the road or in public spaces such as parks, pavements and shopping centres.

You can only use an e-scooter on private land, such as in a garden.

If you breach the rules when using an e-scooter, you could face a fixed penalty notice – This is the same as driving a car with no insurance and having your driving license endorsed. Your e-scooter will also be seized and crushed.
 

E-bike users are reminded:
You can ride an e-bike without a license or insurance if you are 14 years old and over.

If your e-bike fails to meet requirements (must have only two wheels, have an electric motor that can run at no more than 250 watts and a max speed of 15.5 mph), it must be taxed and insured as a motorcycle or moped.

You can ride your e-bike on a cycle path or anywhere else where pedal bikes are allowed. They cannot be ridden on pavements.

Off-road bike users are reminded:
Riding an off-road bike on the road is a criminal offence.

Off-road bikes can only be ridden on private land.

Off-road bikes must be taxed and insured the same as any other vehicle and the rider must hold the appropriate driving licence and relevant CBT certificate.

Councillor Majid Khan, cabinet member for Safe and Resilient Communities for Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “This campaign will highlight the dangers these bikes can cause, not only to the rider, but to the local area and residents.

“Our ASB Team will work collaboratively with Staffordshire Police to target hot spot areas and take action where essential, but it’s also important the owners and users know the rules and laws associated with owning such vehicles.

“Don’t waste your money. If you don’t have the appropriate land usage, insurances and licences, the vehicle will be taken away from you and action taken against you.

“Every one of us has the right to live in a cleaner, greener and safer city.”

So far this year, Staffordshire Police have seized 34 nuisance bikes. Nine off-road bikes and 25 e-bikes.

Inspector Chris Moss, from Staffordshire Police’s road crime team, said: “Officers have worked with partners to take 34 nuisance bikes off the streets, and more will be coming.
 

“We know the impact that nuisance bikes can have on local people and businesses, and how important it is for us to work proactively in local communities to tackle the issues that affect people the most.
 

“People who ride bikes dangerously are putting themselves and others at risk, and we want to make it clear that we’re committed along with our partners to taking decisive action against those responsible across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent”.

In addition to the overall safety messages, increased concerns also lie with counterfeit lithium batteries, which pose a major fire risk.

To report nuisance bikes in your area to Operation Transom, please email operationtransom@stoke.gov.uk. You can also ring 01782 233400. Please provide as much detail as possible.

Incidents that are happening live should be reported directly to Staffordshire Police through the live chat on the website www.staffordshire.police.uk or by calling 101. In the case of an emergency, please call 999.