Young people give ride safe event the thumbs up 23 July 2008
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Over two-hundred young people from the Outer West were given the chance to ride mini-motos legally and safely at an event held at West Denton Community Association today. The two-day Ride Safe event hosted by Safer and Stronger Communities Fund, Neighbourhood Element (SSCFNE) aims to teach young people about the dangers and anti-social behaviour caused by illegal riding and provide a safe and controlled environment for riding mini-motos.
A small temporary circuit was set up and marshalled by the Auto Cycle Union, the body of motorcycling sport for young people with professional training and safety advice. The event is supported by Safe Newcastle’s partners including the police, the fire and rescue service, Newcastle City Council and paramedics, who came together to ensure that young people are aware of the dangers and nuisance that illegal riding can cause.
Event organiser Steve Andrew, Regeneration Manager for SSCFNE said “This is the final phase of a very successful campaign funded by SSCFNE and supported by our partners. We have run an educational campaign on the illegal and dangerous aspects of this, followed by an enforcement period and now want to show young people that they need to use these machines in a safe, responsible and legal manner to benefit all in our communities”.
Kevin McGready, Anti-Social Behaviour Co-ordinator for Safe Newcastle said “This is a fun event with a serious message - irresponsible and inappropriate use of mini-motos can affect residents’ peace and quiet, damages the environment and puts the safety of the public and the riders at risk. Illegal riding of mini-motos can be fatal, it can be expensive in fines, mini motos can be seized and crushed and it can lead to enforcement action including an ASBO points on a parent’s license. It is not acceptable to ride these vehicles in parks or on pavements and other public highways. The key message today is be safe and be legal.
“The young people here today are taking part in a series of activities around the safe and legal use of these bikes. Today has shown that Newcastle has great young people with great attitudes and a willingness to take part in positive activities.
Lucille Adams from the Auto Cycle Union said “We are delighted to provide young people in Newcastle with a similar opportunity to have fun with their mini-moto in a safe, structured environment. By providing professional training and a safe and legal place for these bikes to be ridden we can offer hours of entertainment and a valuable learning experience.”
The day included a demonstration of a crash with rescue procedures and treatment of casualties by fire, police and paramedic crews. St John Ambulance also gave first-aid advice on what to do in the event of an accident.
Karen Soady, watch manager, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Sadly the fire and rescue service sees far too many young people injured and killed in road traffic collisions when they could have been prevented. We know young people are going to take risks, it's part of growing up, but we want them to take informed risks to make themselves safer. This scheme is a good example of how to achieve this.”
Leading motor-cycle wear retailer Hein Gericke sponsored the event by providing safety wear for the young people for the event such as bike leathers, gloves and pads. Managing Director of Hein Gericke, Guy Mainwaring told us “Mini moto is most young peoples introduction to the world of biking and it’s a great opportunity to experience this in a controlled and safe environment. A lot of young people have access to moto’s and it’s naïve to think they’re not going to use them on the streets, to have access to an event like this ensures they are educated about the correct safety equipment and how they can protect themselves and others as we are keen to make sure that the bikers of tomorrow aren’t deterred by an unfortunate accident that may happen to them today.”
The event follows on from the successful educational and enforcement campaigns in the Outer West area, where anti-social behaviour caused by illegal use of mini-motos was a problem in the community. Part of the education campaign was about raising awareness of the dangers of mini-motos and the consequences of this form of anti-social behaviour. Many mini-motos are bought by parents as toys, unaware of the legal consequences of owning one. They are classed as motor vehicles under the law which means that they must have registration and tax, insurance, an MOT and drivers must wear a helmet and have a driving license. This can lead to severe penalties for illegal riders.
The enforcement campaign led by Neighbourhood Inspector Jan Harrison, targeted hotspot areas in the community where bikes were being ridden illegally. Using Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002, many bikes in the area have been seized and could be crushed. She said “Residents in the area have brought it to our attention that motorbike disorder is an issue for them and we’ve worked hard to take enforcement action, making arrests and seizing bikes.
“This event is a great opportunity for young people in the area to learn about the importance of riding bikes safely, appropriately and in a controlled environment. They’ll also get the chance to meet with officers and representatives from partner agencies.
“Hopefully by working together we’ll see a reduction in motorbike-related reports of anti-social behaviour.”
As well as the motorbiking, safety talks and demonstrations, there were many fun activities such as skateboarding, climbing activities, refreshments, outdoor classrooms, youth workers with the SHAPE Bus and career advice from local firm Hee Vee who brought along a truck to give young people an insight into a career in logistics.
Northumbria Water kept the young people cool in the sun by providing water for the event. Northumbria Water’s Alison Mosquera said “We are delighted to support the two-day ride event by keeping the young bikers hydrated with our bottled tap water, ’97. Drinking plenty of Fluids every day to replace lost body fluids is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and improves concentration and performance – when you are thirsty you concentrate 13% less. Free of sugar, calories and caffeine, our top quality tap water is a healthy choice of drink at any time of day – whether in the home or out and about it.”
