Campaign to tackle off-road bikes plaguing town
BBCA campaign has been launched to prevent motorbikes and e-bikes being driven dangerously in a Staffordshire town after a recent crash which left a six-year-old girl seriously injured.
A black motorbike, with a rider and passenger, hit a young girl on a push bike in Tamworth on 13 July.
Local resident Leanne Lea has now set up a Facebook group called Stop Illegal Bikes in Tamworth as a way of drawing attention to the issue.
"I just couldn't sit back and do nothing," she said. "It is absolutely horrific."
A 20-year-old man and a 16-year-old have been arrested in connection with the incident.
The man was subsequently charged with offences including causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop following a road accident and using a motor vehicle on a road or public place without insurance.
Meanwhile the boy was released on conditional bail, according to police.
The girl was taken to hospital by ambulance in a serious but stable condition.
Lea said the crash happened near to her home and said she knew the family of the girl.
"I think there's so many of our residents that are so fed up. They're not getting listened to," she said.
"There's no action being taken to help us stay safe where we live, to walk out of our own homes.
"I just felt like something had to be done and our voices have got to be heard."
Lea, who is currently studying a law degree and also runs a youth club in Tamworth, said she wanted people to feel safe.
This could include providing somewhere for children and teenagers to ride their bikes, she said.
"I'm not quite sure how I plan on it being ended, but I just want people to know and feel safe doing everyday things that they should be able to do."
She said more than 100 people had completed a feedback form to share their views – many of whom had not reported issues to police, as they felt there was "no point" in doing so.
"I've reported it many times," she said. "I've only had a response back once from police."
Staffordshire Police have been contacted for a comment.
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