A campaign has been launched in Tamworth to prevent motorbikes and e-bikes being driven dangerously after a crash on 13 July left a six-year-old girl seriously injured.

A black motorbike with a rider and passenger collided with the young girl, who was on a push bike. She was taken to hospital by ambulance in a serious but stable condition.

A 20-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident and subsequently charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop following a road accident, and using a motor vehicle on a road or public place without insurance. A 16-year-old was also arrested and released on conditional bail.

Community response

Local resident Leanne Lea set up a Facebook group called Stop Illegal Bikes in Tamworth following the crash. Lea, who is studying a law degree and runs a youth club in Tamworth, said she felt compelled to act.

"I just couldn't sit back and do nothing," she said. "It is absolutely horrific."

Lea knew the family of the injured girl and said the crash happened near her home. She expressed frustration at the lack of action on the issue.

"I think there's so many of our residents that are so fed up. They're not getting listened to," she said. "There's no action being taken to help us stay safe where we live, to walk out of our own homes."

Residents' concerns

More than 100 people completed a feedback form through Lea's campaign to share their views on dangerous off-road riding. Many had not reported issues to police, feeling there was "no point" in doing so.

"I've reported it many times," Lea said. "I've only had a response back once from police."

Lea said she wanted to provide somewhere for children and teenagers to ride their bikes safely as part of addressing the problem, though she acknowledged uncertainty about how the campaign would ultimately tackle the issue.

"I'm not quite sure how I plan on it being ended, but I just want people to know and feel safe doing everyday things that they should be able to do," she said.

Staffordshire Police have been contacted for comment on the campaign.