Police patrols to crackdown on ongoing issues with illegal off-road bikes in Mansfield

Officers from the Mansfield Neighbourhood Policing Team North carried out a targeted pedal bike patrol in the Forest Town area On June 15.

During patrols, officers identified a group of young males riding off-road bikes near woodland areas and racing them up and down residential streets—causing a significant nuisance and posing safety risks to the public.

A police spokesman said: “Using pedal cycles, officers were able to approach the group discreetly. As a result, one male was safely detained, while others fled the scene. The individual detained did not suffer any injury and was compliant throughout.

“Illegal off-road bikes are not only disruptive for residents but also present a serious safety risk, particularly as riders are often inexperienced and using powerful vehicles beyond their capability.

The Mansfield Neighbourhood Teams recognise that this remains a persistent issue within the community and are committed to taking proactive action to remove illegal bikes from our streets.”

While quad bikes, three-wheeled bikes, trail bikes and some other two-wheeled vehicles are built for off-road use, it is against the law to ride them in public parks or on publicly-owned land without permission from the local authority.

As with unlicensed powered vehicles, these can only be used on private roads or land with the road or land-owner’s permission.

If you have information about off-road bike nuisance in your area, please report it to 101 or 999 if its an emergency.