On 20 April 2025, the Western Park Freeride community (@western_park3riders) in Leicester reported that a bike was stolen around 11:15am from the Western Park bike track by individuals on Sur-Ron electric motorbikes, a growing pattern also seen in other recent incidents across Sheffield and the Surrey Hills. The post urged parents to accompany their children, especially when riding expensive bikes, to deter opportunistic theft.

Recent Sur-Ron related incidents:

Lady Cannings Rebuild Hit by Vandalism

Ride Sheffield shared on 27 March that their recently rebuilt trail at Lady Cannings Cooking on Gas trail was targeted by vandals. Contractors had van windows smashed and diggers damaged, just as the new trail — funded by community donations — was nearing completion. The trail itself is described as “awesome,” with flow and features for riders of all levels. However, it still needs time to settle, and volunteers are rallying to help block and protect the trail from further damage. The Ride Sheffield team called for support at an evening dig, urging riders to respect the closure and avoid walking or riding the unfinished trail.

Grenoside Incident

On 29 March, a disturbing encounter was reported in Grenoside Woods. A dog walker confronted two individuals on Sur-Ron bikes after one kicked their dog for crossing their path. The situation escalated, with the rider allegedly threatening the walker with a knife and claiming dominance over the area. South Yorkshire Police responded swiftly, deploying drones and K9 units, though the suspects had already fled. The force has issued a warning to avoid the area alone and noted a rise in recent incidents there.

Bolehills BMX Battles Motorised Bike Vandals

Bolehills BMX track in Sheffield has suffered vandalism from Sur-Ron motorised bikes. The damage — deep ruts on the jumps — occurred in February 2025, just months before the track’s planned reopening after major renovations. It is the second time this year.

The local BMX and MTB community is frustrated, with volunteers working tirelessly to restore the track. In a social media statement, they warned that if the destruction continues, it could mean “the end of Bolehills as you know it... If setbacks like this keep on happening we just don't have the manpower or the time to keep fixing it up.”

In response, South Yorkshire’s Motorcycle and Rural Crime Team has pledged increased patrols. South Yorkshire Police has also urged anyone who sees motorcycles on the track to call 999. Offenders risk prosecution and having their bikes seized.

Despite the setbacks, the Bolehills crew remains committed, planning public dig days to keep the track on track for its May 3, 2025 reopening. With over 40 years of history, the community is determined to preserve this legendary BMX spot.

Surrey Hills Reports of Sur-Ron Damage

It's not just Sheffield and Leicester feeling the impact. The Surrey Hills MTB community also reported Sur-Ron bikes causing disruption in recent days. The concerns echo a growing frustration across the UK, especially for volunteer-managed sites vulnerable to repeated damage and without the resources for heightened security.

Bickerstaffe Trails Seek Volunteers Amid Ongoing Scrambler Bike Issues

At Bickerstaffe Bike Trails in Lancashire, ongoing efforts to block motorbike access and tackle trail misuse have led to a call for local volunteers to help monitor the site. Lancashire County Council and Bickerstaffe Parish Council are addressing damage linked to illegal motorbike use—including Sur-Ron style e-motos—by improving barriers and involving the community. The need for action follows reports of vandalism, unauthorised trail building, and antisocial behaviour. 

What’s Happening and What Can Be Done?

Sur-Ron bikes — high-powered electric motorbikes — are generally illegal to ride on MTB or BMX trails in the UK unless specifically allowed by the landowner. They can be legally used only on:

• ✅ Private land (with permission)
• ✅ Official off-road parks for motorbikes
• ✅ Some BOATs/Green Lanes (if registered, taxed, and insured)

Communities are being urged to report illegal usage to the police, who can seize bikes, issue fines, or take legal action under anti-social behaviour laws. The challenge remains: these are often community-built and maintained trails — not easily defended with fences, gates, or cameras.

Community-Police Partnerships

In some regions, police and councils are encouraging the public to report nuisance use of off-road vehicles. These initiatives may offer useful models for local trail groups:

• Huddersfield / Kirklees:: Public urged to send video and dashcam footage of nuisance off-road bikers to the police.
• Coventry City Council: Plea to submit footage of antisocial off-road bike use.
• Kent Police: Running a campaign against vehicle nuisance involving cars, bikes, and mopeds.

Trail associations might consider reaching out to their local police and councils to explore how they can collaborate more effectively to protect community-built facilities.

Let’s continue to back our trail crews, report issues, and look out for one another.

If you know of similar issues, or have any thoughts or ideas on how to help best address this trend then please post below or get in touch. 

Updated 21 April 2025: This article first published on 29th March 2025 and now includes a new incident reported at Western Park Freeride on 20 April 2025, along with police and council initiatives from across the UK to combat nuisance off-road vehicle use.

Read: 381 times Published: 29/03/2025