Other Policing News
Police are inviting young mini moto owners to the newly formed Mini Moto Club which will
be held at St Maries School, Merttens Drive in Rugby.
PC Ian Tatton explained "The Club was formed in June in conjunction with the Autocycle Union to give youngsters
the opportunity to ride their mini motos legally whilst learning new skills at the same time.
The event will be run by Warwickshire Police and staffed by Police Community Support Officers who have been
trained by the Autocycle union which is also providing the insurance for all participants.
"If you are interested in coming along, you need to be aged between 8-16 with your OWN mini moto and accompanied
by your parents. You must wear a helmet and gloves and we recommend knee and elbow pads.
PC Tatton said "The children will be assessed before they are allowed on the course and basic safety checks will
be carried out on the bikes to ensure they are safe to use.
"The course is designed to test the youngsters' skills with different bends and obstacles requiring a variety of
skills.
The idea is to provide the kids with an area where they can legally ride the mini motos under expert supervision.
PCSO's have been trained as coaches and clerks of the course and will be on hand to support the youngsters.
PC Tatton added "You do not need to book - just turn up on the day. More events will be organised in the near future.
To take part, you will need to join the mini moto club and have a badge. The small joining fee of around £10 a year
is to cover insurance costs and there will be a nominal fee of £3 for each event.
PCSO Fran Carty who is helping organise the event said "I'm looking forward to meeting the kids and getting to
know them.
PC Tatton said "We are a bikesafe county and we want to promote safe biking and that includes the youngsters too.
"The only place where off road vehicles can be lawfully ridden is on private land with the express permission of
the landowner whether on payment or otherwise.
"A common misconception is that common land or wasteland is available for free use of anybody and you can do
whatever you like. This is completely wrong. There is a historical right of access for leisure purposes and even
for grazing animals and similar activities on common land but other use is expressly forbidden in statute law.
Similar laws prohibits bikes from using parks and nature reserves, rights of way and bridle paths.
"Also, only vehicles that meet certain standards and are registered with DVLA can be used on roads. They must
also be taxed and insured and unless younger than three years need an MOT certificate. There is no exemption
for small machines used by children."
For more info on the Warwickshire Police Mini Moto Club please contact Fran Carty on 01788 541111 x3845 or PC
Ian Tatton on 01926 415000 x5455 Information on our bikesafe courses for adults can be found on
www.bikesafe.co.uk
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