Teen Trial Bike Riders Busted by Neighbourhood Police
Two 16-year-olds from Swindon were caught red-handed riding trial bikes without licences or insurance near Barbury Castle. PC Sean Williams and Special PC Mark Kennedy, part of the North Wiltshire Ridgeway Neighbourhood Policing Team, stopped the boys and seized their bikes.
Clampdown on Rural Bike Nuisance
PC Williams said: “Residents in the rural Ridgeway area have reported nuisance riders causing trouble. We’re stepping up patrols to catch these individuals.” The police operation targets illegal use of trial bikes, mini-motos, quads, and similar off-road vehicles on roads.
Rules Riders Must Follow
- Vehicles over three years old need a valid MOT certificate
- Riders must hold a full car licence or category B1 licence (issued before January 1997)
- Minimum third-party insurance is mandatory for quads on the road
- Quads must be registered with the DVLA, taxed, and display front and rear number plates
- Only DVLA-registered, taxed, and insured vehicles meeting standards can be used on roads, pavements, and car parks
- No exemptions exist for off-road vehicles or young riders
This crackdown comes amid a countywide road policing campaign to slash serious injuries and fatal collisions. For more info, visit Road Safety Week.
