Off-road biking

We understand that off-road biking nuisance is a long standing issue, with our communities suffering noise nuisance, intimidation and abusive riding.

Off-road vehicles include motocross, trial and endurance bikes, mini motos, quad bikes, electric scooters, Buzzboards and Go-Peds and any other mechanically propelled vehicle.

Ride responsibly

It is essential to ride legally and safely if you plan on off-road biking. Riding on land without permission or outside designated areas can lead to legal action, in addition to environmental damage and disruption to communities.

The page linked below provides a list of approved locations in the surrounding areas where off-road biking is permitted. These sites are managed to ensure rider safety and protect wildlife and habitats. By choosing to ride in legal areas, you help support responsible recreation and avoid the risks associated with illegal riding.

Legal off-roading sites | Nottinghamshire Police

Please use this resource to plan your rides and encourage others to follow the rules. Together we can keep off-road biking safe, sustainable and enjoyable for everyone.

What's illegal?

Riding in public places and on footpaths

Riding a motorcycle on council owned land is an offence. It is also an offence to drive a mechanically powered vehicle on a footpath, bridleway or restricted bridleway. The law states that footpaths alongside the road form part of the road. To legally ride a motorcycle on the highway a rider must comply with DVLA regulations.

Riding on private land

The Road Traffic Act 1988 includes provisions that make it illegal to drive a mechanically propelled vehicle on land where permission has not been given. Off-road bikes can be used on private land, with the landowner’s permission.

Report it

To report a crime call 101, access our Live Chat, or in an emergency always dial 999.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on freephone 0800 555 111 or report it online.

Report in as much detail as possible, such as:

• Times, days of the week, and the location where it happened

• Description of the motorcycle - colour, size, make/model

• Description of the rider - clothing/helmet, gender, build or any distinguishing features

• Description of any vehicles transporting motorcycles - make, model, vehicle registration number

• Direction the vehicle was travelling in

Keep reporting even if you don't think anything is happening - it is.

We are working hard behind the scenes and your information helps. Please continue to report to us.

Prosecute it

Failure to comply with the law can result in the following:

Police Reform Act 2002

Section 59 and 60 give police the power to seize vehicles that are being driven in a way that causes, or is likely to cause alarm, distress or annoyance.

Road Traffic Act 1988 - Section 143

You must not ride a motorcycle, quad bike or Go-Ped on a road, public place and/or public path without appropriate insurance as provided for under this Act. If you do so, you could be prosecuted in the Magistrates Court.

Section 3

You must not ride a motorcycle, quad bike or Go-Ped on a road, public place and/or public path in a careless or inconsiderate manner. If you do so, you could be prosecuted in the Magistrates Court.

Section 87

You must not ride a motorcycle, quad bike or Go-Ped on a road, public place and/or public path, without a valid driving licence to drive that class of vehicle. If you do so, you could be prosecuted in the Magistrates Court.

ASB, Crime and Policing Act 2014

Enables the council, police and social landlords to use a range of powers to tackle anti-social behaviour including nuisance caused by off-road bikes. These powers include, Civil Injunctions, Criminal Behaviour Orders, Public Spaces Protection Orders, Community Protection Notices, Closure Orders and Dispersal Powers.

Noise

Nottingham City and County Council has the power under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to take action in respect of a noise nuisance caused by unreasonable use of motor vehicles off-road. Once an Abatement Notice is served councils have the power to seize the offender's vehicle and take prosecution proceedings.

Parent's Liability

As a parent you may be prosecuted for 'aiding and abetting' or 'permitting' off-road use and be prosecuted in addition to riders and risk points on your own driving licence, and possible disqualification.

For more information on the laws around off-road bikes, please click here.

Electric Assisted Pedal Cycles (EAPC)

An EAPC is legal to ride anywhere a standard pedal cycle could be ridden, if it conforms to EAPC standards. It must have pedals, the motor must not exceed 250 watts and it must not provide any power above 15.5mph. Otherwise it is classed as a motorcycle and the rider will need a driving licence, insurance, MOT where applicable and will need to wear a motorcycle helmet. The rider must be 14-years-of-age or over.

Additional support

For more advice and information about vehicle nuisance involving cars, bikes and mopeds please click here.

You can also download our leaflet below which contains all the information listed on this page.