When we were digging in 50 Acre Wood today we were really surprised to see a bloke coming down the mountain bike trail on a motocross bike. I was even more surprised when I spoke to the guy and he said that he lived locally and rode there a lot. I've seen motorbikes using the wood before, but only on the logging tracks and I assumed that was a one off.

Needless to say, motorbikes aren't permitted on the trail in 50 Acre Wood, and it might well explain why mysterious wide ruts have appeared on some sections of the trail. If anyone has seen trail motorbikes using the wood then please let me know and I'll hopefully be able to get some action taken to prevent it.

That's no good! Let's hope this can be nipped in the bud before it gets to be common knowledge.

Any ideas on how we might be able to stop this?

There are a few different ways it might be stopped. A last resort is putting up a physical barrier, but if it's just one guy, it might be worth shopping him to the police (I tried talking to the rider I saw on Sunday but it's fair to say I would have had more luck reasoning with a brick wall).

I've posted the same query on other forums and it seems like the wood is quite frequently used by motorbikes, which would certainly be consistent with some of the trail damage over there. I guess the next stage is to contact the powers that be, and explore our options a bit further.

Oh yeah, and to any trail motorcyclists thinking of using the wood, please don't. Apart from the damage caused to the trail (which at the moment is being fixed by volunteers), it's also a really popular spot for mountain bikers (particularly beginners) with over 500 people a month using it, even in the winter. The trails are narrow and twisty and there is a good chance you could hurt another rider or yourself. Plus it's illegal, and your bike could be confiscated by the police.

Hmm, could be a little difficult with the openess of the trails.

PS. My dad accidentially strimmed half your allotment last weekend Ant, hope you don't mind mate

Just the grass, I told him where the edge was but he just didn't stop!

Saved you a bit of effort if it's any help.

I really do think it's worth putting in a constrictor style at the big rocks trail head where the bikers are getting onto our trail.. it wouldn't stop them using the fire roads, but may save the single track a bit of abuse. Would the FC do this for us? Cheers, JIM.

I've contacted the ranger, just waiting to hear back from him and see what our options are. I think it would be good if more of the wood was fenced off - it might deter the scummers who keep fly tipping over there - but obviously it would be expensive and the FC may think it's a bit disproportionate to keep out a couple of idiots.

Sam, say cheers to your dad for me. I will get up there and do some tidying soon, honest.

Just heard back from the ranger. They'll be getting some signs up there in a couple of weeks so that no-one is any any doubt that using motorbikes on the trail is illegal. He also said that if you see anyone riding a motorbike, take their registration number and report it to them, and they'll get the police involved if necessary.

Digital camera or Mobiles with cameras might be good here.
If you've got time to point a lens at an offender, they might be
recognised by their clothing etc. if reporting to the PTB.

If you can get your phone/camera out in time, then definitely take a pic. If you can get their registration too that's doubly good. It means the powers that be have the option to send them a threatening letter or take even stronger action.