Project_Twelve:31 spent a week with Bumpy (Birstall Urban Motorcycle Project for Youth) for a week of off road motorbiking, and learning mechanic skills.

Birstall Urban Motorcycle Project for Youth was established in 1989 as a training, testing and skills centre aimed at young motorcyclists causing a nuisance on wasteland.
The registered charity, nicknamed BUMPY, was the brain child of Police Woman Julia Morris, nee Rookledge, and followed a far from smooth course having taken four years to draw up.

The Idea stemmed from a period when Julia, as local Birstall Community Constable, had to deal with complaints from local residents, about youngsters riding motorcycles illegally on open areas of land. Julia, saw a need for the young people of the area to have a safe and legal place to ride.

In February 1984, representatives from the Police, probation service and motorcycle clubs came together in an attempt to provide a solution to the problem which was making the life unbearable for many residents living near these areas.

The result was a scheme turning the site off Nab Lane into a purpose built track for bikers to practice their skills legally and without causing nuisance.

As well as enjoying the off-road riding, the girls had experience of stripping down and servicing the motorcycles and will be receiving a certificate in ABC Motorcycle Maintenance.

Project_Twelve:31 would like to say a massive thank you to Caroline, Chris, Tom and Owen at Bumpy Ltd Leeds West Yorkshire.