Off-road motorbikes

With off-road biking, it’s important to know what’s legal and what isn’t. Riding in the wrong place can put other people at risk, damage the places we all enjoy, and lead to your bike being taken off you.

Where you can ride

Off-road bikes aren’t allowed on public spaces like parks, pavements, footpaths or open land. It’s not just illegal - it can be dangerous for other people and wildlife too.

In order to ride an off-road bike legally, you need to ride it on private land, with the landowner’s permission.

The Auto Cycle Union can advise on specialist sites in your area where it is legal to ride off-road bikes, as well as any local competitions taking place. Visit their website at www.acu.org.uk for details.

Often, off-road bikes and their riders will also not meet the legal requirements of owning a motor vehicle and therefore are unable to ride legally on public roads. Do your research beforehand to find out what you need to use your bike legally and safely: EAPC standards and legal requirements - GOV.UK

Why it matters

We regularly hear from communities affected by off-road bikes being used in the wrong places. It can be intimidating, unsafe, and spoil areas that people come to enjoy.

Just as importantly, riding illegally can have real consequences for you. Your bike can be seized and you could face fines or points on your licence.

Parents can also be held responsible if younger riders are involved – if your child rides an off road bike illegally, you could receive points on your licence.

All bikers know that the risks and consequences of using off-road bikes illegally are serious, and has a detrimental effect on everyone in the biking community.

Those on the wrong side of the law should expect action to be taken against them for these reasons.

Reporting illegal off-road motorbiking

We rely on information from the public to take action. If you’ve seen off-road bikes being used illegally or dangerously, take down key details such as descriptions of the bike, rider, location and time.

Send us CCTV, video or photos if you have it. Please report any information using any of the following methods:

• Facebook – send us a private message to Derbyshire Constabulary
• Website – complete the online contact form derbyshire.police.uk/Contact-Us.
• Live chat – on our website you can also contact us through live chat. Our live chat service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can start a live chat by clicking the speech bubble at the bottom right of the homepage on our website: derbyshire.police.uk
• Phone – call us on 101.
• Anonymously – you can also report anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111 or by visiting crimestoppers-uk.org

If the crime is happening right now, call 999. This means we can know about it immediately and act straight away if it’s possible, and deemed necessary.

Own your ride. Respect the road - and the places beyond it.