Youngsters riding mini-motos and full size motorbikes are becoming a real nuisance at the southern end of Redlands and into Whitley. Residents on Bede Walk contacted me totally fed up with the bikes whizzing past their doorsteps on the footpath.
I was in the Northumberland Avenue area over the weekend and I saw a number of teenagers riding bikes on Longbarn Lane Recreation ground. Worringly, at least one child I saw was not wearing a helmet.
Apart from being a real danger tothemselves, youngsters riding mini-motos are a massive danger to pedestrians. For this reason it is illegal to ride mini-motos on roads, pavements or public parks. You can find out more about the law regarding mini-motos on the Thames Valley Police website.
There have been some very sad deaths connected to mini-motos in South Reading in recent years . A few weeks ago I met the mother of young person who was killed riding a motorbike on Shinfield Road. She was adamant that more needed to be done to education children in schools about the risks.
Katesgrove Councillor, Gareth Epps and have contacted the Council and the North Whitley Police Team about this problem asking them to take action urgently. I would like to see Reading Borough Council re-launch it's campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of mini-motos amongst children and adults.
Part of the problem I think is that parents are buying these machines for their children and condoning their use. If parents knew the risks attached to riding these bikes I can't believe they would encourage their kids to ride them.
The Police are keen to try and find out the names and addresses of youngsters riding the bikes, which is obviously easier said than done! Residents can help by reporting any sightings of mini-motos being ridden via the asb hotline: 0845 8 505. Please also contact me if this issue is a problem in your area.
We will certainly be raising this at the next meeting of the North Whitley Neighbourhood Action Group in April.
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