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24
Aug
Electric bike seized from child doing 40mph in Ripon
Police have seized a “highly illegal and dangerous” e-bike from a child in Ripon.
The teenager was travelling through the Whitcliffe Lane area on the afternoon of August 23.
According to North Yorkshire Police, the bike was a push bike that had been adapted to be able to operate at speeds up to 40mph – more than double the legal limit of 15.5mph.
The speed limit for any vehicle on Whitcliffe Lane is 30mph.
Police said there will be an increase in patrols and tactics in the area to remove illegal e-bikes from the streets.
People in Ripon have highlighted e-bikes as a particular area of concern in a survey, with the Mayor of Ripon, Councillor Andrew Williams, recently meeting with the city’s neighbourhood policing sergeant to discuss the issue.
Today's statement added:
North Yorkshire Police is taking action to address anti-social behaviour associated with the irresponsible use of e-bikes and off-road electric bikes and is encouraging members of the public to report incidents and share information.
Like many areas across the country, North Yorkshire has seen an increase in the use of e-bikes, particularly more powerful off-road style machines that are being ridden illegally and, in some cases, linked to criminality.
Police urged residents to report incidents of dangerous riding, illegal use and locations where illegal bikes are being stored.
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