07/02/2026
| Cannock Chase is a nationally important landscape – a place people come to walk, cycle, ride horses and enjoy nature.
Unfortunately, we are seeing a growing problem with illegal off-road bikes, including electric bikes such as Sur-Rons, being ridden across protected areas.
These bikes are causing significant damage to the landscape. They tear up fragile heathland, destroy vegetation, erode footpaths and bridleways, and disturb wildlife habitats. Some of these areas take years to recover once damaged. What might look like “just a few tyre marks” can quickly turn into deep ruts, widened trails, and long-term harm to protected ground.
There are also serious safety concerns. These bikes are often ridden at high speeds with little regard for other users. Walkers, families with children, cyclists and horse riders have all reported near misses. The noise and unpredictability create fear and put people at real risk of injury.
We want to be clear: riding these bikes on Cannock Chase is illegal and will not be tolerated.
We are increasing patrols at known hotspots and are actively gathering intelligence to identify those involved. Where individuals are identified, we will take appropriate enforcement action, including seizure of vehicles where legislation allows.
We need the public’s help. If you see illegal off-road bikes being used on the Chase, please report it. Information about locations, times, descriptions of riders or vehicles transporting bikes to the area can make a real difference. If safe to do so, note details – but do not approach riders yourself.
