Police take steps to tackle Castle Brom bike riders

VICIOUS CYCLE: The group have caused problems along Chester Road.

POLICE have pledged to tackle the problem of teenagers on push bikes causing chaos on local roads.
In recent weeks, a group of 15-20 youths have been performing stunts along the Chester Road, infuriating motorists.
Resident Ian Yeomans had told a parish council meeting last week that many concerned locals had been given the impression that “it was not a priority.”
Others were worried they could be held liable if one of the bikes rode into their car - a suggestion strongly refuted by West Midlands Police.
Inspector Allan Green said that police policy prevented officers from pursuing the riders - who often aren't wearing helmets - and that a chase could result in a young person being "seriously injured."
However, he rejected claims that the force was failing to act and confirmed that officers had successfully identified a large number of the group, after confronting them at KFC earlier this month.
The police will now be paying visits to their homes, liaising with local schools and taking other steps to deter those involved.
Insp Green pointed to the success of a similar crackdown on off-road bikes fairly recently, although he insisted there was a marked difference between the two groups.
“These groups on off-road bikes are nasty, hardened criminals that you wouldn’t want to get in front of. These kids on push bikes… a lot of them aren’t bad kids.
“They are part of a group that has got a bit too confident, a bit too brave and at the moment they haven’t seen the consequence of what they’ve done.”