Tuesday May 9, 2006 at 12:00am
With current tactics only addressing the effect of the illegality, Authorities across the UK are spending more in tackling the problems, yet seeing nuisance complaints increase.
Conference host and Head of LASU Dave Luscombe argued that a revised approach, focussing on both effect and cause, would yield far greater rewards and impact on nuisance problems dramatically.
Luscombe then introduced a series of speakers from Authorities who had engaged with provision as a tool to tackle the problems and had achieved outstanding results in the process. However, the conference was not just about hearing how provision makes a difference, it was also about seeing the difference it could make, achieved by taking delegates on a whirlwind tour of venues to see motorcycle and Cruise Sport in action.
Pineham motocross track was the first venue to be visited. Delegates watched as PC Ron Kirkland from the Thames Valley Police Motorcycle Initiative, an ACU affiliated motorcycle club, put young boys and girls – some of whom had never ridden before - through their paces on 125cc bikes. Ron explained how and why he was involved in the activity and how the young people had benefited.
Next stop was Santa Pod Raceway, where a Cruise was underway, and a small Mini Bike Recreation track had been created. As at Pineham, delegates were able to watch as mini bikes were ridding on a controlled and supervised circuit. Young mini bike racers Matt and Kurt Wigley put on a stunning display of how the ‘Pros’ do it whilst their young friend Will Barratt showed how easy and enjoyable mini bikes could be for a novice rider.
Cruise Sport gave a display of modified cars and demonstrated how innocuous and easily organised legal cruises could be.
Day two of the Conference gave delegates a chance to grill those who had already made the switch from enforcement to provision through a series of break out groups. For many, the highlight of the Conference came in the afternoon of the final day when three sets of Best Practice Guidelines were published. The Guidelines for running ACU Affiliated Recreational Mini Bike Projects and Cruise Sport Affiliated Cruises will give Local Authorities the information they need to make provision for both activities at a local level.
The Guidelines for the safe operation and management of recreational off road facilities and venues have been written by the National Governing Body to give guidance to Local Authorities and those who operate within the sector. Supported by the Health & Safety Executive, the Guidelines mark a significant step forward for the whole off road practice industry.
The ACU will be hosting a number of Off Road Forums in 2006 to enable those working in the Off Road industry to contribute to the development of the Guidelines. First of these scheduled for 21st June 2006 at ACU House, Rugby, if you are interested in attending please contact Debbie Walmsley, LASU via e-mail [email protected].
With the comments raised and feedback received at the Conference, it is clear that there is significant enthusiasm amongst Authorities to make a change on the ground and embrace provision as a vital key to unlocking the problems of illicit motor vehicle activity within our communities. Jim Parker said, “I am pleased the LASU have taken this pro-active approach to the problem affecting many communities. By inviting Local Authorities to the Conference and proving there is a positive solution, with organisations willing to assist them, many have gone away with the determination and enthusiasm to ensure their own communities benefit.”
For any further information on this press release please contact Brian George, ACU Press Officer, 01788 566428 or via e-mail [email protected]. » Categories:
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