Frustrated residents have sounded the alarm amid a rise in “dangerous” bikers reportedly “tearing” through a Kent town.
Some 380 people recently surveyed expressed concerns over the reckless riding of off-road bikes in Faversham’s residential streets and parks.
Of those, 97 percent disclosed that the surge in nuisance bikers had impacted them, with nearly half stating they had experienced problems daily.
Faversham town councillor, Rob Crayford (Lab), who set up the survey, feels the community deserved better.
“Residents across our community have told me how these illegal bikes are tearing through areas where children play, where people walk their dogs, and where families should feel safe,” said the representative of St Ann’s ward.
“This isn’t just a nuisance — it’s dangerous, intimidating, and damaging to our shared spaces.
“Our community deserves better. People should not have to put up with reckless behaviour that threatens their safety and well-being.
“I am calling on Kent Police and councils at all levels to step up enforcement and work together with residents to find lasting solutions to this problem.”
Cllr Crayford said recent discussions with Swale Borough Council (SBC) on how to tackle the issue had yielded positive results.
“Tackling this issue requires partnership working and a firm commitment from those with the power to act,” he said.
“I will continue to press for action until residents can once again feel at ease in their own neighbourhoods.”
Among the results, 85% said off-road bikes had been ridden dangerously close to pedestrians, but only 3.6% reported incidents to the police.
Earlier this month, it was reported a cat was intentionally struck by a biker, prompting a police probe.
Furthermore, more than half of residents also felt councils should invest more money to solve the problem.
They called for a stronger police presence and dedicated space for young people to ride safely.
Responding to the survey’s findings, Kent Police inspector Julia Bassindale, said: “Nuisance driving has a detrimental impact on communities, from matters such as noise complaints to dangerous driving resulting in injury.
“We are committed to tackling crimes of this nature robustly and have since introduced higher visibility policing to the area, with more regular patrols.
“Three official warnings have been issued to riders under Section 59, meaning if they are seen driving antisocially again, their vehicles will be confiscated.
“Dispersal orders have also been put in place when needed to grant officers additional powers to move on those causing a nuisance and seize vehicles if necessary.”
