REGARDING your article (LET, February 13) about "biker vandals," it is only fair and balanced to offer an alternative point of view -- not everyone loves football.

I do not condone any vandalism or malicious damage, but I am what you describe as a "biker."

Motorbikes are my passion and have been since I was a child.

Some lucky youngsters are supported from an early age by their parents and are able to compete in organised motorbike sports events, motocross/trials, etc.

However, most youngsters have to rely on themselves.

I bought my first bike at the age of 15, with the proceeds of my paper round. Even back then in 1985 there were very few places available where we could ride our dirtbikes.

Wherever we went, even the most isolated rural location, we were confronted by the "not in my backyard" attitude and were usually described as hooligans or vandals.

All we ever wanted to do was to ride our bikes and the last thing on our minds was causing any damage or trouble. It seems that nothing has changed.

Just where do the motorbike riders go? If I had a backyard large enough they could certainly use mine.

I would also point out that we have a four times world Superbike champion in Blackburn's Carl Fogarty, and a current world Superbike contender from Burnley, Neil Hodgson. Where do you think they started their careers? I will tell you -- on a dirt bike, in a field.

I don't think it is helpful to use inflammatory phrases such as "heartless bikers" or "bikers vandalising."

Perhaps it is time to come up with an alternative, rather than the usual slapdash (£20,000 fine) solutions!

JOHN LEWIS ROBERTS, Fife Street, Carr Hall, Barrowford.