A motocross enthusiast has called for better facilities for young riders in Suffolk after long-running concerns about illegal racing resurfaced.
Richard Klien, 46, from Ipswich, has suggested a different approach to resolving residents’ concerns about scrambler riding in Belstead Brook Park.
Mr Klien, who has ridden motocross since he was a teenager, said rather than demonising the young riders, authorities should invest in properly organised facilities.
People living near to Belstead Brook Park have complained that the riders are racing there illegally on a daily basis, creating noise and sometimes intimidating other visitors. They have called for a meeting to be held with police, councils and landowners to resolve the problem and for the bikes to be confiscated.
However, Mr Klien claims that if the track was made official, the riders would be prepared to abide by rules, keep off the road – where he claims the noise problems arise from – and restrict their usage to specific times.
He says that while traditional sports receive lots of support in Suffolk, there is little on offer for young people with an interest in motocross.
“It seems there’s a stigma against motorcyclists,” he added.
“But not everybody likes football, cricket or tennis and there will always be people who enjoy riding motorcycles.
“Authorities should not be preventing sports, they should be promoting diversity in sport, for everyone, not just those who like football.”
Mr Klien pointed out that in the past motorsports have attracted thousands of people to events in Suffolk, such as those held at Shrubland Hall north of Ipswich. He added that enthusiasts were a generally well behaved group – contrary to misconceptions that some people held.
“We’re not a bad bunch of people; give us a chance and I think it could be an awesome project,” he added.
The issue of scrambler racing around Belstead Brook Park has resurfaced as a concern in recent weeks, following a crackdown by police several years ago. People living in Wherstead have complained of being “terrorised” by the daily noise of riders racing along Bobbits Lane.
David Baldry, chairman of Wherstead Parish Council, has suggested calling a meeting of interested parties.
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