Off-road motorcyclists told to 'stay on the right track'

The warning from government comes after a visitor was found riding illegally through an upland Area of Special Scientific Interest in the Central Hills last week.

The man was issued with a fine by the police after a farmer tipped off rangers from the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture. 

While motorbikes can be used on green lanes and greenway roads, riders are not allowed to venture off those tracks, and riding/driving away from legal routes is not permitted.

Ahead this year's TT, the DEFA Ranger team put up new signage which emphasises the message: ‘Stay on the right track’. 

A QR code is displayed on these signs, which can be scanned to gain access a digital version of the green lanes and greenway map, showing the TT course byways. 

Alternatively, physical copies of the detailed Map are available from the Welcome Centre located at the Sea Terminal and local bookshops.

Following the recent arrest, DEFA Minister Clare Barber said: 'While I understand the temptation to find a new spot to watch the bikes we urge riders to be responsible.

'The uplands are home to protected ground nesting birds, such as hen harrier and curlew, important peat habitats that are easily destroyed and livestock, none of which should be disturbed.

'Both motorbikes and birds contribute to our unique Unesco Biosphere, so we must ensure that one does not spoil the other.'