16 April 2010
A high-energy moto-cross project which has helped give disadvantaged young people a focus is celebrating its fourth birthday.
In March 2006, a partnership between the Youth Action Team (YAT) and the States of Jersey Police enabled the more disadvantaged youth of Jersey to engage in a challenging activity which would not normally be available to them.
The Project aims to encourage the safe, responsible and legal riding of motor cycles in an environment which helps young people to develop the confidence to share in a positive activity.
The Youth Action Team works closely with a supervisor who delivers the course to the young people, and the Jersey Motorcyle and Light Car Club, to deliver the project.
Youth Action Team manager, Grant Blackwell, said “We could not have done this without the Jersey Motorcycle and Light Car Club and their members. They have been very supportive of us.
“The project works with a wide range of young people in the Island, both girls and boys, who are interested in motor cycles. One of the Project's aims is to direct young people away from the risks of taking and driving away scooters or motor cycles. The project has played its part in the decline of the number of young people going to Court as a result of motoring offences and the incidents of persistent theft of bikes by a few individuals has been significantly reduced.
“The Project relies on the support and goodwill of Jersey’s off-road motor cycle community and particularly access to the Rue d’Egypt Motor Cross course run by the Jersey Motor Cycle and Light Car Club. The group meets most Saturdays in all weathers and is run by Steve Hingston, an ex-police motorcyclist, who provides expert supervision for the young people.
“Many more young people are referred to the Project than there a places available and there is always a waiting list," said Mr Blackwell. "Other groups have invited Project members to join with them in various events and this give a very encouraging message to the young people involved.”
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