MOTORBIKES being used on unsurfaced green lanes in the Yorkshire Dales came under scrutiny when North Yorkshire Police and Rangers from the National Park Authority (YDNPA) carried out spot checks over the last weekend.

Eight bikers were stopped during the operation, which took place in four locations in the Wensleydale area of the National Park. Three were found to have no road tax, two possibly had no insurance and another had an illegal number plate.

The illegal use of motor bikes and 4x4 vehicles in the National Park is a big
problem

Matt Neale - YDNPA

Two other bikers were seen riding illegally but failed to stop.

Matt Neale, the Authority's Area Ranger for Upper Wensleydale, is co-ordinating the joint action days, which are aimed at raising awareness of new legislation relating to the use of green routes in the National Park for recreational purposes by drivers of motorbikes and 4x4s.

"This was the second in a series of operations planned over the winter months to try to stop illegal use of the routes and to encourage people to ride on them more responsibly," he said.

"From our point of view it was very successful because it helped raise awareness of what the law requires, both in terms of the vehicle and the use of public footpaths, bridleways and byways. We handed out specific route information to all the bikers we talked to as well.

"The illegal use of motor bikes and 4x4 vehicles in the National Park is a big problem and they can have a serious effect on the landscape, wildlife and other users."

The YDNPA has published a free leaflet called 'Trail Riding in the Yorkshire Dales' that has been produced in partnership with the Trail Riders Fellowship, Natural England, the North Yorkshire and Cumbria county councils, the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Beauty and North Yorkshire and Cumbria police.

It explains where and how trail bikers can use the byways and unsurfaced, unclassified county roads and it sets out the legal issues involved and the ways in which riders can help minimise the effects of their sport.

The leaflet can be obtained from some petrol stations and cafés in and around the National Park and on the website www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/trail_riding_leaflet_-_2007.pdf

The police would like to hear from anyone who has witnessed illegal off-roading incidents. These should be reported to police stations in Grassington, Settle, Ingleton, Hawes and Leyburn.