City of York Council's Youth Service is driving home the potential dangers of motorcycles by running a scheme to teach young people how to enjoy them safely.

Two groups of seven students at Joseph Rowntree are taking part in a 'Momentum on 2 wheels' programme. The project aims to help young people learn basic maintenance, off road handling skills and to examine the attitudes and responsibilities of being a bike user.

York Youth Service established the pilot scheme with funding from central government. The programme is also being offered to groups referred from the Youth Offending Team and also people from community youth clubs and projects. The young people are on course to successfully complete the scheme with flying colours before Christmas.

John Mayled, project mechanic, City of York Council, said: "The emphasis is on safety and having fun although participants are also expected to record their progress through the Youth Achievement Award Scheme. Issues such as road safety, the law, vehicle related crime, insurance and accident reduction can be underpinned with other important messages including drugs and alcohol, personal safety and peer pressure.

"This is a critical stage in young people's development so targeting their interests at an early stage will result in them becoming more responsible and better equipped to be safe road users."

The scheme has funding until March 2004 however the youth service is urgently seeking financial sponsorship to continue the programme. For further information contact Bill Eve, youth work manager, on 01904 628829.