Reading MPs condemn illegal off-road bike use, citing reckless behavior and links to crime, urging stronger action.
Rodda shared two examples from Reading showing how bad the problem is. He described awful incidents that locals saw, including riders on electric bikes causing trouble while wearing black clothes and balaclavas, and popping wheelies on a main road.
The road surrounds Reading’s center where cars drive at 40 mph. He said off-road bikes don’t belong there and that it was very reckless and dangerous. Riders risked their lives and others’ lives. Therefore, he felt action must occur.
Rodda then shared a second bad example that he witnessed himself and reported to police. A similar group acted the same way. They had motorbikes near the River Thames in Caversham, near Reading, and used a footbridge ramp to jump.
They jumped like Evel Knievel, doing stunts while families had picnics close by. People also tried to use the footbridge. Rodda said this bad behavior happens across the country.
Olivia Bailey, another Labour MP for Reading West, added her thoughts to the debate. She thinks illegal bikes cross into her area and that the people in Tilehurst dislike the bikes, finding them dangerous and a menace. Furthermore, these bikes link to crime.
The MPs thanked Thames Valley Police. Police are trying to stop the riders and officers use drones to find illegal bikes. After the riders park, police can act, taking bikes and arresting the riders. The debate occurred on March 5th.