Residents have traded in their off-road motorbikes for bicycles as part of a police scheme.
People in Bedwas, Graig-Y-Rhacca, Llanbradach and Lansbury Park areas of Caerphilly handed over 17 off-road vehicles such as motorised bikes, trikes and quads.
Police officers from the Bedwas Neighbourhood Policing Team worked with the Van and Graig-Y-Rhacca Communities First Partnerships as well as bike suppliers Halfords on the scheme.
Graig-y-Rhacca resident Nicola Allen, 25, traded in a mini-moto and a Yamaha off road bike, in return for bicycles for her two sons, five-year-old Daniel and six-year-old Travis Allen.
She said: “I think the scheme is a really good idea. My boys didn’t really have anywhere to ride the mini-moto or off-road bike, so they weren’t really much use. Now that we’ve traded them in, they have got two nice mountain bikes and helmets. I can take them down the bicycle track now on their bikes, and they really enjoy it.”
Everyone who gave in their off-road vehicle got a mountain bike, helmet, cable and lock, lights, puncture repair kit, riding mitts, high visibility arm and leg bands, as well as a three year bike care plan – all for free.
The illegal use of off-road bikes is an issue that residents often raise with police at the local PACT (Partnerships and Communities Together) meetings.
Bedwas Neighbourhood Sergeant Gareth Jones, said: “We have seized numerous bikes using our powers and issued warnings previously. We often find that people buy these motorbikes or quad bikes without fully understanding the law surrounding where and when they can be used.
“This amnesty was another way of helping to prevent the illegal and antisocial use of bikes in the area.
“We are pleased that so many residents took part in the scheme, and we hope that by taking these off-road vehicles out of use, it will have a positive impact on the local community.”
Wendy Griffin, the chairwoman of the Van Communities First Partnership, said: “It’s fantastic news that so many local people have taken part in this scheme.”
The next PACT meetings for the Bedwas area are as follows: