Crash photo warns of bike danger

Lee Hall fell into a coma after the crash

A man who nearly died in a crash while riding a mini motorbike is joining a roadshow which aims to get people to drive the machines legally.

Lee Hall was untrained, unlicensed and uninsured when he crashed in January while riding with no helmet on.

The 20-year-old was left in a coma and with a burst artery after being hit by a car in Joys Green, in the Forest of Dean.

He is showing photographs of the crash at the event in Cheltenham.

It has been organised by Gloucestershire Police and the county's road safety unit.

Possible prosecution

After having 95 stitches, pins inserted all the way up his leg and some of a bone removed, Lee has learned to walk again.

But for a long time his family feared he would have to use a wheel-chair for the rest of his life if he pulled through at all.

Lee, who lives near Coleford, said he wished he had had the benefit of the information available at the roadshow in Cheltenham before he decided to save up for a miniature motorbike.

"It's great they're doing this, hopefully it'll stop people having to realise the dangers the way I did," he said.

"I was used to riding off-road so I thought I was untouchable, the accident proved me wrong and that it's very different being on the roads where there's so much more to think about than in the woods.

Seize vehicles

"I don't think I'll ever ride again but if I could turn the clock back I'd have pushed the bike to where I was meant to ride it," he added.

At the event in the Kingsditch Retail Park on Saturday, officers are explaining how to ride miniature motorbikes and other motorised bikes safely and legally.

Police in the county receive 20 to 30 calls each month from people complaining about off-road bikers causing noise and anxiety as they race around illegally and anti-socially.

Officers have the power to seize vehicles being used in this manner and the owners or their parents are responsible for the costs involved. These are a £105 removal charge, £12 a day storage and a £50 disposal fee.

Riders can also be prosecuted for driving without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other road users and for not having a licence, MOT or insurance.