Kids 'pulling wheelies' in front of traffic on busy A53

Children have been 'pulling wheelies' in front of traffic on one of North Staffordshire's busiest roads. Police say youngsters are also 'weaving in and out of traffic' along Leek Road through Endon.

Now officers have given a talk at Endon High School over the dangers bike-riding youngsters are putting themselves in. Staffordshire Police have received complaints over youngsters, at the end of the school day, pulling wheelies while in traffic on the busy A53, weaving in and out, and riding on the pavement before 'suddenly pulling into the road'.

Neighbourhood officers have also raised concerns over children not wearing helmets or having any kind of lights.

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PCSO Sara Staples, of Moorlands Local Policing Teams, has urged families to check youngsters are riding safely through the area.

She said: " As the darker nights are rolling in we are coming across a considerable number of children who are riding their bikes without any kind of light, helmet and are usually dressed in all dark clothing. Local officers have attended the high school and have outlined the dangers but unfortunately officers are still witnessing the same issues. Could we please ask all parents and carers to ensure that their children’s bikes are fitted with a safety light front and back and that the children themselves have some kind of reflective material on their clothing.

"Could we also please ask that you speak to your child regarding the manner in which they are riding their bikes as again we have received complaints of children pulling wheelies in traffic along Leek Road at the end of the school day, weaving in and out of traffic, riding on the pavement and then suddenly pulling into the road.

"It only takes a driver a split second to not be concentrating fully for an accident to occur which is something we are wishing to avoid. We are certainly not trying to stop the children from having fun on their bikes we are just trying to keep them safe whilst doing so."

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