Dirt Bikes Versus Mountain Bikes – The Legal Alternative this Christmas
03 December 2008
Before you consider buying an off-road bike this Christmas, have a think where you can use it or whether you should choose an alternative present which will give you a different kind of freedom.
Dirt bikes, scramble bikes, quad bikes, it doesn't matter what you call them - they are all the same, motorised bikes which appear to give you the freedom to ride. However, don't be sucked in by the fast speeds, great acceleration and big tyre treads because, in reality, there are very few places where you can ride these bikes legally.
Greenlink Community Officer, Michala Phifer says, "Think carefully when you are choosing your Christmas presents this year. The Access Laws in Scotland state that it is illegal to ride motorised off-road bikes on public land and, if you are caught, the police have the right to confiscate the vehicle. In the last few months, one bike has already been confiscated in the Daisy Park area of Motherwell and two other riders issued with warnings.
"People buying these bikes are under the illusion that there are lots of places where they can be ridden."
However, Greenlink can offer details of a few sites where riders can take their motorbikes legally. These include:
North Lanarkshire Scramble and Quad Bike Club - this is a custom made dirt track where people with scramble or quad bikes can ride legally. Bob Reid, North Lanarkshire Council Countryside Ranger, formed the club after recognising there was a need to provide facilities where keen scramble bikers could ride legally.
Bob said, "We wanted to set up a facility where kids can ride their bikes without causing a public nuisance or breaking the law, where they can ride safely and learn new skills."
The club runs every other weekend at Balbackie, North Lanarkshire. All riders have to pass an induction before they can ride and the process is going on throughout December, January and February for rides to start again in March.
Michala added, "If you can't transport your bike to Balbeckie, don't worry, because the Greenlink is hoping to provide transport in the spring. So, please contact Bob and register your interest in a pick-up service."
If you are interested in finding out more about the club then contact Bob on 01698 402090.
Private Land with the landlord's permission - If you know a landowner who will let you ride on their land, then this is another legal alternative, as long as you get their permission. However, without permission, riding on their land is trespassing, and you risk having your bike confiscated by the police.
Take up mountain biking so you can legally enjoy the adrenaline rush. After experiencing a good course with jumps, drop-offs and table tops, just about everyone will be hooked and happy to trade-in their motorbike for a mountain bike. After all, you can ride a mountain bike legally on any access path, as long as you respect other path users.
Michala from the Greenlink concluded, "In the spring, there will be a mountain bike skills loop built on the Greenlink where you can build up your skills, learn how to jump and enjoy the real adrenaline buzz which you get from mountain biking.
"If you are not convinced that mountain biking can be just as much fun,, then look out for information on the ‘Greenlink Mountain Bike Club', which is going to start in spring. This will give bikers the chance to go on great rides, learn how to perfect their stunts and get the best from mountain biking. The club will also be going on trips to other centres in Scotland to test what are regarded as some of the best mountain bike courses in the world.
Now, after knowing the facts, it's time to consider getting a mountain bike for Christmas rather than a motorised bike!
