OFF-road biking is an issue that brings mixed emotions. Brian Gomm reports on a project that could solve all the problems

A POSITIVE move is being made to stop illegal off-road motorcycling by identifying sites where riders of all ages could legally pursue their interest.

At a packed Mancunian Suite at the City of Manchester's Stadium, The Greater Manchester Off-Road Motorcycle project was launched -- a partnership of Red Rose Forest, Pennine Edge Forest, Wigan MBC, Bolton MBC, Manchester City Council, Salford City Council, Trafford MBC, Rochdale MBC, Oldham MBC, Greater Manchester Police, Government Office North West, Oldham Kickstart and VCAT (Voluntary Community Action Trafford).

The project aims to eradicate problems caused by dirt riders' activities on Greater Manchester's many green spaces -- a problem that upsets local communities, rips up valuable park and woodland and gives legal motorcyclists a unfairly poor reputation.

The problem of illegal off-road motorcycling is one that plagues many parts of Greater Manchester, often making parks, playing fields, woodlands and other green spaces "no-go" areas for other users.

Current legislation does give police forces the right to seize motorbikes being used illegally. This has been welcomed by local communities as a positive first step but there is still space for a more "holistic" approach to be developed -- which will tackle off-road motorcycling in the long-term and offer solutions for all parties, from local people to bikers.

The Greater Manchester Off-Road Motorcycling project, led by Red Rose Forest will offer this approach -- bringing together bikers, landowners, local people, local councils and the Greater Manchester Police. The project will find workable, long-term solutions to the problem of illegal off-road motorcycling -- that includes the development of new facilities for motorcyclists to practice their sport safely, as well as more traditional law enforcement and site security measures.

The first phase of the project will produce a detailed study to consider issues such as cost implications, rights of way, and community engagement (especially focusing around getting young people involved). The feasibility of developing several sites for new off-road motorcycling facilities will also be explored.

Ellen Hawkins, project co-ordinator from Red Rose Forest, said: "The Greater Manchester project offers a real opportunity to all partners to develop an exciting solution to such a high profile issue. The key to our approach is that we are pursuing a positive course of action, working to identify solutions which meet everyone's needs while protecting our valuable green spaces. The strong partnership leading this project forwards will be vital to its future success."

Shahid Rasheed, Greater Manchester Police, said: "We are very concerned about the impact this illegal activity is having on local residents, which is why we're bringing so many of the Force's resources to tackle it on a multi-agency basis and with private landowners. GMP and our partners are developing plans to prevent access to public areas by off-road vehicles while, at the same time, providing appropriate facilities for off-road vehicle users."

Off-road enthusiast Andy Edwards said: "Motorbikes and biking is a passion for many people within the region -- and the development of more good quality, legal sites where we can pursue our love of off-road motorbikes is something that all responsible bikers should welcome. Anyone who is riding illegally in parks and woodlands is damaging the reputation of the sport and I welcome the Greater Manchester Off-Road Motorcycling project's work to find solutions to this problem."

The event was attended by landowners, local communities, motorcyclists, Greater Manchester Police, the Local Authorities from Greater Manchester and other interested parties who will come together to explore the issue.

Scotsman Bob Reid, a Countryside Ranger with North Lanarkshire Council, made an impressive presentation highlighting the huge success of a similar project near Motherwell. A key focus within his work is providing opportunities for disadvantaged young people, through opportunities such as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Bob is chairperson of the Scottish Countryside Ranger Association and a founder of the International Ranger federation.

He said the problem of "bully-boy bikers" highlighted by Wigan based Mark Champion, land manager for the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, had been virtually eradicated by the development of the North Lanarkshire Scramble and Quad Bike Club of which he is now chairman.

And Councillor Paul Murphy, chairman of Greater Manchester Police's community engagement committee and a prime mover in the reinstatement of GMP's off-road bike team, said the discussion had convinced him that providing places where riders could legally pursue their interests was the way to go.

He said: "I had't realised how many people pursued this interest of off-road riding and we should be looking at ways they can do so without annoyance to others. Perhaps Government funding could be available to help."

A survey to identify suitable sites is expected to be completed by October after which further deliberations will take place.