Chris Evans MP

MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR ISLWYN

Off-Road Biking

OFF-ROAD BIKING ISSUES

An Alarming Increase

I have grown increasingly concerned by the behaviour of off-road bikers in IslwynIslwyn is lucky to have a beautiful natural habitat including areas such as Cwmcarn Forest drive, Gwyddon Forestry, and Mynydd Machen. 

In my time as MP for Islwyn, each year this problem increases. At the moment these bikes are being used on public land and tearing up our beautiful landscape. I have also had numerous reports of threatening behaviour by these bikers when they are challenged. This is completely unacceptable; all residents should feel safe and able to enjoy the nature Islwyn has to offer. 

As a Member of Parliament, I have liaised with the police and the council to tackle this issue locally and as a member of the off-road biking task force. I have met with residents to discuss their experiences. Many constituents have raised concerns about the impact of off-road biking in these areas, both on our landscape and on residents. This is a huge problem right across the countryside, across the South Wales valleys, the North of England, anywhere there are mountains or large areas of countryside. It has become clear that the police simply do not have the powers to tackle these destructive illegal off-road bikers as things stand.

OFF-ROAD BIKING ISSUES

Off-road Bikes To Be Registered

In June 2022, I led a debate in parliament on off- road biking in Islwyn. I argued we need to make it more difficult to own these vehicles and ensure they are registered and insured. Every sale of an off-road bike should have to be registered. 

During the debate, I also called for Police to be given new powers to fine those vans who bring the bikes into the valleys, as well as an increase in fines to recover the bikes seized.   

This is a national issue and impacts any MP with the countryside in their constituency. I was therefore pleased that the minister agreed to meet with me to discuss this matter further.

This is a huge problem right across the countryside, across the South Wales valleys, the North of England, anywhere there are mountains or large areas of countryside