Lib Dems urge council to take more action on anti-social use of off-road bikes

Oldham Liberal Democrats are pushing the council to take more action now on the anti-social use of off-road bikes on local roads.

Crompton Councillor Diane Williamson has urged the Council’s Chief Executive, Shelly Kipling to drive forward a series of actions following a successful motion to the council from the Liberal Democrats in late 2025. 

She requested that the council drive forward the public awareness and intelligence campaign that was agreed last November, making it easier for people to report incidents. More reporting will also increase the chance of the GMP off road team spending time in the area.  

Diane said: “One local resident got in touch with me recently, after some off-road bikers were causing problems nearby, and then started shouting racist abuse at him.  

“Often the illegal use of the bikes isn’t the only problem, it is indicative of wider patterns of crime, and the more we can do to break that up, the better.” 

The letter to the chief executive also called for better engagement with housing providers, liaising with the Home Office to maximise the funding available to challenge the crimes, and working with Greater Manchester Police to make it a priority.  

Diane added: “Despite the problems at Oldham Council, it is still possible to get work done. That’s why we’re making sure we get progress on critical issues like this, where the decision has already been taken.” 

In response to Councillor Williamson’s call for more action on the anti-social use of off-road bikes, a council spokesperson said: "We know that off-road bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters being used irresponsibly can cause significant distress to residents and pose a serious risk to public safety. 

"Our Community Safety Team works closely with Greater Manchester Police, housing providers and other key partners to tackle vehicle-related anti-social behaviour across the borough. 

“A number of targeted operations have already taken place, resulting in a significant number of bikes and other vehicles being seized and destroyed. Over the summer period, Greater Manchester Police's dedicated specialist off-road biking unit will be deployed at various locations across the borough, to specifically target those using vehicles in an anti-social manner.

"The Community Safety Service has funded and installed warning signs across the borough, at hotspot locations which have been identified by residents through reports to Greater Manchester Police. The signs make it clear that anti-social use of these vehicles will not be tolerated and allows Greater Manchester Police to seize vehicles being used in an anti-social manner, without further warning. 

"People living in social housing should be aware that engaging in vehicle-related anti-social behaviour near their homes could put their tenancy at risk. This is a breach of tenancy conditions and could lead to enforcement action including the loss of your tenancy” 

"We would always recommend that incidents be reported to Greater Manchester Police via the online live chat service available at www.gmp.police.uk, by calling 101 for non-emergency matters, or 999 in an emergency. 

“The council is committed to working with partners to keep communities safe and will continue to support enforcement action against those whose behaviour puts residents at risk and causes nuisance within local neighbourhoods.”