Kids are not the ones causing trouble

Sep 25 2008 by David Simister, North Wales Weekly News

A MAN whose two sons are keen quad bike racers says youngsters enthusiastic about the sport will not be among those causing problems at Pensarn beach.

Neil Roberts’ 15-year-old son Laurence is third in his class at the IOPD Quad Cross Championship.

“We don’t want to be tarnished with the same brush as the hooligans who ride their bikes on the beach,” says Neil, of Sunningdale, Abergele.

“It would be wrong to portray all enthusiasts in the same negative light as a lot of good comes out of the quad fraternity.

“If there is a problem with quad bikers then it’s time for us to work with authorities to combat it. North Wales desperately needs a dedicated facility for people to use bikes legally.”

Quad bike and motorcycle riders using the beach at Pensarn illegally have caused controversy among local residents and politicians, leading to worries that it is only a matter of time before a serious accident happens.

Neil says: “No racer worth his salt would jeopardise his bike by thrashing it on the beach. There are a huge number of people in quad biking who are very professional and well-respected.”

The Auto Cycle Union, which is the umbrella organisation for quad bike racing in the UK, condemns riders illegally using vehicles on the beach, but said some of the responsibility must lie with local authorities and the government for failing to provide legal facilities in North Wales.

“It’s similar to what used to happen with children who used to drown while swimming illegally in quarry pools. They did it because there was nowhere legal for them to go and it’s the same story with quad bike riding,” said David Luscombe, head of the ACU’s local authorities support unit.

The Roberts family are currently looking for sponsorship to fund Laurence’s championship campaign. If you think you can help, call Neil Roberts on 07884 498584.

Read more about the issue in Your Views – page 30