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News
Illegal riding Thetford Forest - Bike Seized and Crushed

On display last weekend in Brandon was an off road motorcycle which had recently been crushed by Suffolk Police after they had seized the bike as it was being ridden illegally through Thetford Forest.

In a new tough line, the Police are working with the Forestry Commission to address the ever increasing problem of illegal riding within the forest. If a rider is caught illegally riding then details of the rider and the bike are taken and a warning is issued. If rider is caught again within the next 12 months or even if the bike is caught with a different person riding it, the machine will still be seized. Whilst the owner will have 21 days to pay a fee to reclaim the bike, after this period has expired it will be put through the crusher.

The recent crushing of the bike has obtained a lot of publicity through the media and on Saturday 6th May Diss MCC teamed up with the Forestry Commission, Brandon Police and other interested parties to meet the public and outline the law and the options available for riders to legally ride motorcycles off road. The display contained information on local off road practice tracks, trail riding and how to enter events through a recognised body like the ACU. The centre point of the stand which obviously drew a lot of attention was the remains of the crushed bike.

The day proved to be very positive as a number of riders who admitted to illegal riding within the forest took time to visit the stand and obtain details on how to ride legally with some joining local clubs and obtaining information on how to enter competitions.

Whilst is it easy to say it is just local kids illegally riding, the facts are in recent years this has expanded to include off road riders of all disciplines who in some cases travel considerable distance with the perception they are entitled to legally ride and they are not doing damage. It is also worth highlighting that in some cases these riders ought to know better as they are actively involved in the sport as competitors – some at a very top level! Certainly one of the biggest problems recently has been the illegal riding of mini-bikes with unofficial competitions.

Suffolk Police and the Forestry Commission are generally very supportive of off road motorcycling providing it is done legally. However, the recent crushing of the bike is not going to be a one off and a hard line will be taken with anyone caught in future – you have been warned!

The bottom line is it is illegal to ride in the forest unless it is an authorised event or at an approved practice track such as Hit the Dirt at Swaffham. Trail riding is only permitted on designated vehicle rights of way and even then both the motorcycles and riders must be road-legal. Green Roads are subject to the same laws as surfaced roads.