Keeping Our Park Safe and Enjoyable for Everyone

Concerns have been raised by park users regarding the use of motorised electric bikes, pit bikes, and high-speed ride-on vehicles on Silloth Green.

While we love seeing our open spaces used and enjoyed by the community, the safety of all visitors—particularly young children, families, and elderly residents—must always come first. We have had reports of children’s electric bikes being driven at unsafe speeds along footpaths, forcing other park users to get out of the way.

We would like to gently clarify the rules and remind parents and guardians of the following:

• Applies to All Sizes and Speeds: We are aware that some children’s electric dirt bikes and motorbikes marketed for younger children (such as ages 3–7) have restricted speeds of around 15 km/h. Please note that all throttle-driven, mechanically propelled vehicles—regardless of the rider’s age, vehicle size, or top speed—fall under the same legal restrictions.

• Legal Restrictions: Under UK law (Road Traffic Act 1988), unauthorized motorized vehicles, pit bikes, and non-compliant e-bikes are illegal to ride in public spaces, including parks, footpaths, and public highways. Because they are classified as motor vehicles rather than standard bicycles, they cannot be taxed, insured, or ridden on public land.

• Shared Space: Our park is designed to be a safe, relaxing environment where everyone can walk, play, and unwind without fear of fast-moving vehicles.

We kindly ask parents to ensure these vehicles are not brought into the park. For those wishing to use motorised bikes, this must be done on private land with the landowner’s explicit permission.

Thank you for your cooperation and help in keeping our park a safe, welcoming place for our whole community.