Over 90% of Rye residents who responded to an online poll have voiced their support for continued motorbike parking on Strand Quay. More than 800 people took part in the Facebook vote.
The Environment Agency is exploring whether there are other uses for the riverside, including car parking which was overwhelmingly opposed by councillors at December’s Rye Town Council meeting. An anti-social driving public space protection order has also been discussed for Strand Quay.
The online poll, organised by a local resident, Mark Streeton, and aimed specifically at people living in Rye, indicates that many see motorbike parking on the Quay as a practical and positive use of space, particularly in an area already accustomed to a mix of working harbour activity, visitors and local trade.
Supporters point out that motorbikes take up significantly less room than cars, help reduce congestion elsewhere in the town, and bring welcome footfall to nearby cafés, pubs and shops. Several respondents also noted that the presence of bikes adds to the lively, informal character of the Quay, which has long been one of Rye’s most distinctive waterfront spaces.
One local resident said, “Motorbikes are compact, tidy and bring people into town who then spend money locally. Strand Quay has always been a shared space, and the bikes fit naturally into that.”
Others highlighted that the area already accommodates a range of vehicles and activities, from deliveries to seasonal events, and felt that responsible motorbike parking causes little disruption.
While the poll was informal, its findings suggest a broad level of goodwill towards bikers among the local community, with many respondents favouring a balanced and common-sense approach rather than restrictions.
As discussions continue around how best to manage parking and access across Rye, the poll suggests for many residents, motorbike parking on Strand Quay is seen not as a problem, but as part of the town’s everyday life.
An update from Mark Streeton, Tuesday 20 January 2026
“Thanks for all the votes and comments on the recent poll with a massive 92% in favour. The poll was conducted in response to Rye Town Council (RTC) asking Rother District Council (RDC) on the 15th to introduce a PSPO Anti-Social Driving Public Space Protection Order (PSPO). This would be similar to one in Eastbourne, addressing motorcycle excessive speed and unnecessary noise which, I understand, has been granted.
“Because of RTC rules this decision cannot be considered for reversal for a period of six months as from the 15 March 2026. We will have to wait until that time has elapsed unless nine or more RTC councillors vote to request to change. You can contact individual members of the council here if you live in Rye: https://ryetowncouncil.gov.uk/members-of-rye-town-council/
“If you do not live in Rye, its MP Helena Dollimore is the best option: email helena.dollimore.mp@parliament.uk or 01424 424 125.
“The ban will go live on the 15 March 2026 and be enforced unless challenged by RTC via the appropriate reversal.
“It is worth noting that no consultation was conducted involving residents of Rye or those affected far beyond the bikers parking, as noted in comments on the poll. They do bring in trade and revenue to the town and a consultation would have seen this.”
Image Credits: Tony Edwards , Kt bruce .
It was refreshing to read kt Bruce unbiased report on the Strand Quay bikers,and the input by Mark Streeton, and I urge the town councillors to reconsider their decision in asking the Environment agency to ban the bikers,which has been their temporary stop off for over 30 years,Of course you will always get a minority that will spoil it for the majority, and we have seen this across the town in all walks of life across the town,and its up to our absent police to address these problems. Many of these bikers have been in Rye for years and have contributed to a lot of establishments in their short stay, after journing from far afield, by denying them a place to park,is not the way forward, for a town that relies on tourism,from all walks of life
Excellent news! Bring on the PSPO with zero tolerance! Can’t wait for 15th March!
But it will not stop vehicles of all shapes and sizes from passing along the A259. To many shop owners this will be lost trade.
Rye has been a stop off for many bikers in the long tradition of the Mayday Run to Hastings on the first Monday in May. On numerous occasions, motorcycle police riders have also stopped there on that day. In 2028, it will be the 50th anniversary of the first Mayday Run.
The quoted update from Mark conflates two separate Town Council (RTC) decisions. The first resulted in RTC asking Rother District Council (RDC) to consider making an Anti Social Driving Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) to address motorbike-related issues. As yet, there have been no discussions with RDC. However, it is likely that RTC would wish to see excessive speeding and noise (such as that generated after removal/modification of bike baffles) included. Separately, RTC resolved to advise the Environment Agency (EA) that it would prefer to see the EA’s land at Strand Quay maintained primarily for the benefit of pedestrians – ie no bike nor car parking. The decision of the freeholder (the Environment Agency) is awaited. The 15 March 2026 date cited is simply the date RTC’s PSPO request decision could be re-visited by RTC (unless a procedural mechanism was used to seek to reverse the original decision).
This is as stated an informal poll. Who exactly was polled? Probably not the residents of Strand House who have their weekends totally disrupted to noise. It’s not the bikes per se, but the exhaust removal that creates complete misery for residents. Much more widespread research needs to be done.
I am also glad to see the bikers representing themselves by collecting data, but being me I have to ask Kt: do you really mean 90 percent of Rye residents? That would be something like 4,000 votes, an amazing result for an online poll. Or do you mean, as Mark Streeton’s comment suggests, that 92 percent of people who voted on the poll voted in favor? Because an informal poll like that, promoted on Facebook groups as far as I could see, will have a self-selecting audience that’s not representative of Rye residents as a whole. It makes a nice headline, but it’s not good data.
The article states ‘90% of those that RESPONDED’ The article also states 800 people took part in the vote.
If I can deduce where the pollsters are coming from, then (with the odd exception) anyone can.
I’ve been reading a lot about this on various channels and still rather confused about what’s actually happening. Am i correct in my understanding that the motorcycles are not being BANNED but instead being advised against excessive noise and speed only (via the PSPO)?
Hi Kate – RTC has requested (1st Sept 2025 mtg C7) for several reasons (namely motorcycles parking outside the Strand Quay enclosed area) the RDC raise a PSPO to allow RTC in some form or other to issue a FPN of £100 on each biker. At present RDC is awaiting Police input. Subsequent to this mtg the EA approached RTC in Dec to request support for a total ban on the motorcyclists using the Strand Quay enclosed area. RTC readily agreed to this. All these discussions took place without any consultation with the Rye residents, business owners or the motorcycle visitors. Hence we are now all fighting to get our voices heard at the RTC mtg being held Monday 26th Jan at 18:30hrs at the town hall.
I agree with John above and i live on Strand quay.
Don’t ban them but maybe ask the older generation to speak to the younger one re their revving up.
Mark S , great result and I am with the 90%, however i am sure there were many people who didn’ vote as either they don’ t go on line or did not see it including me.
Polls are always a problem if only on line but still at least you did something.
The same will happen re the change of councils. Many people ask what is it about and how will it work feeling powerless really to get involved.
Re the comment form Richard above: “such as that generated after removal/modification of bike baffles”, this is a misnomer (as I keep pointing out). The problem is not with bikers illegally modifying their exhausts but with the toothless noise regulations relating to motorcycles in the first place (just look them up). No biker needs to modify their exhaust as their motorcycles are, quite legitimately, noisy enough in the first place.
Bikers have always been persecuted in the Strand area ,remembering the mid seventies when the local Rye and district M.C used to drink in the Ship Inn . Only those day the Rye skinheads used to try and sort it out , many a pitch battle outside ensued . Then the residents never really complained , these were Friday nights /Saturday nights . Bit different to Sunday afternoons .
From an accurate public polling perspective a Facebook poll is next to worthless. It’s not private, it assumes most Rye residents use FB, and the number of votes were not disclosed (apologies if I missed that but percentages can be misleading unless the actual vote count is also listed e.g. if 10 people participated 9 voting yes gets you 90%).
Motorcycle noise continues to be a significant annoyance. From my perspective it’s not the number of cycles it’s the unnecessary noise some drivers seem to get a thrill from. Germany has a successful program that fines drivers heavily for being over noise limits. I applaud government here for trying to do the same.
Perhaps residents of Rye have forgotten the endless racket of motorcycles that spoil the fairly tranquility of living in our town? I’m sure opinions will change during the summer months.
I don’t have a gripe with motorcyclists parking on the Strand just the 20% of the antisocial bikers who seem to enjoy ruining the peace and quiet of the town.
The same goes for the boy racers in their cars who race round Rye after dark, lots of noise and very little grunt.
From Rye Harbour we also regularly hear motor bikers/scooter riders testing their expertise around the Camber bends. Our tendency to dark humour results in referring to the quickest of them “organ donors”, sadly.
Lived in Rye for 48 years the bikers were here then it was like a bonus as coming from London it was welcomed to our ears the revving of the powerful machines they must bring some financial benefit to the Rye shopkeepers , leave them alone it’s only a couple of months a year .Stop complaining vroom .
All good points for and against. BUT consider this: The Bikers will need to park somewhere else ! Or not visit and spend in Rye. They can of course park in the Car Parks taking up one whole car space. This will reduce the number of spaces available to visitors in cars thereby taking a space that could accommodate up 4 or 5 visitors looking too spend in Rye. So Rye may need to increase available parking spaces for visitors incurring a very high cost to expand if space is available to do so.
If bikes/bikers are breaking laws with noise or other activity then what is the Law for??