A motorcycle enduro event due to take place in Dyfi Forest this weekend has been cancelled because of safety concerns caused by an increase in the number of illegal riders.
The Cwm Ceirig Enduro event was to be held in the Forestry Commission Wales managed forest near Aberangell on Saturday and Sunday (4 and 5 June), but the risk to legitimate forest users was considered too great.
FC Wales had worked with the event organisers, the Mid Wales Trail Riders Association, on the planning for the event but the decision to cancel was taken today in conjunction with the sports governing body, the Auto Cycle Union (ACU).
Dave Farmery, FC Wales Local Area Manager for Dyfi Forest, said, “The Dyfi Forest is an area well known for mountain biking and walking and the safety of these users is being jeopardised by these irresponsible riders who show no regard for anyone else or the environment.
“It’s a sad state of affairs that this enduro event, which is well organised and run by a responsible group of people, has had to be cancelled for fear of a serious accident taking place.”
FC Wales has been working closely with North Wales Police and Dyfed Powys Police for the past two years to educate people and clamp down on illegal riding, but the past month has seen an increase in the level of illegal vehicles using the forest, especially quads and trail bikes.
Forest patrols have been stepped up and anyone caught riding illegally can have their vehicle seized by police.
Vic Madely, Forest Liaison Officer for the ACU, said, “We had 70 competitors for the event from all over the country but our insurers advised that if we couldn’t guarantee their safety then the event should not proceed.
“We haven’t encountered this level of problem in the 10 years that we have run the competition. This type of behaviour by illegal riders is putting our sport at risk and must be stopped before a serious incident takes place.”
He said many competitors had booked accommodation locally which would now have to be cancelled.
The Mid Wales Trail Riders Association organises three events a year in Dyfi Forest, and there are also up to three car rallies in the forest every year.
