The council has agreed to play its part in trying to curb the growing menace of e-bikes and off-road bikes in West Lothian towns and villages.
A meeting of the full council backed a motion by SNP group depute leader Maria MacAulay to raise awareness of risks of unsafe behaviour.
All councillors, along with local community police, face regular complaints about the misuse of off-road and electric bikes especially within communities.
Police seize vehicles where and when they can and have held a series of high-profile campaigns to crack down on dangerous misuse of the vehicles.
Councillor MacAulay called on a meeting of the full council to support a “safety awareness event” through the council’s own Community Safety Plan.
The event, similar to the West Drive scheme which teaches sixth years about road and home safety using emergency services, could also include those who have been injured by or through misuse of off-road and e-bikes.
Her motion said: “Council notes the growing concerns around the unsafe use of e-bikes and off-road motorbikes, particularly among young people, including riding without helmets or appropriate protective equipment, and the risk of serious injury to riders, pedestrians, and other members of the community.
The motion added: “ Council therefore agrees that this issue will be brought within the remit of the Community Safety Plan and that the Council will encourage Police Scotland, other community safety partners and relevant stakeholders, including where appropriate individuals who have experienced injuries involving e-bikes or off-road motorbikes, to engage in delivering these outcomes.”
“This should include exploring opportunities for a safety and awareness event for young people, delivered through partnership working and within existing resources, with no additional cost to the Council.
By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter
