Forest rangers in Scotland and Wales will be taking a tough line with illegal off-road motorcyclists who are damaging trails and endangering mountain bikers in their forests. It’s always been something of a problem, hence those tricky-to-negotiate motorbike barriers at Afan Argoed and Cwmcarn, but recently motorbike activity has increased. In Wales this led to a planned trailbuilding day being cancelled as the forest rangers had to go and deal with the motorised riders.

mtb-wales.com reports that several of the motorbike barriers on the 9feet.com (now Penhyddh) trail at Afan Argoed were breached recently, with motorbikes getting on to two stretches of singletrack and causing “significant damage” according to MTB ranger Nick Murfin. Worse, a mountain biker was forced off his bike while descending one trail by a motorbike coming up the trail at him.

Similar problems are occurring at Glentress Forest in the Scottish Borders. It’s illegal to drive motorised vehicles in Forestry Commission forests without permission, and even authorised vehicles are subject to a 15mph limit. Often the motorbikes in the forests are uninsured, unlicensed and sometimes stolen. The riders know what they’re doing and have been known to react violently when approached by officials.

Borders recreation manager Jeremy Thompson says that the Forestry Commission will be taking a tough stance. “Our message is clear – no unauthorised motorcycling in our forests is allowed and anyone found flouting this rule will be reported straight to the police and will be prosecuted,” he says. “Walkers and cyclists can be our extra eyes and ears by reporting registration plates of motorbikes or trailers or the vans transporting them to us or the police.”

The message is echoed by Nick Murfin at Afan Argoed. “If people see motorbikes in the forest, by reporting that fact at the Visitor Centre, we can build up a picture of where they are. If people see motorbikes being loaded or unloaded from vehicles then those number plates will be of use to us – we will pass them on to the police. But I must stress this: do NOT approach the riders.”

Off-road motorcycle organizations are equally concerned. “We are also supporting the tough stance as a minority are affecting the future for many riders who participate in the legitimate competitions that are fully sanctioned and supported by the Forestry Commission’s managers,” says Charles Mackenzie of the The Scottish Auto Cycle Union. “Enduro riders should realise that they have no right of access to the Forestry Commission’s forests.”

Those wishing to find out more about off-road motorcycling and enduro riding should visit the ACU or SACU.