Police have admitted they are losing the battle to stop groups of teen racers who are tearing up and down the Island.

A number of taxi drivers have said pack racing is on the rise with groups of up to 30 bikers speeding at night, sparking fears of a serious accident.

P.c. Fitz Walkes, of Hamilton Police Station, told The Royal Gazette recently: "It is an ongoing problem. We have had to deal with it all my career. We don't have the manpower to manage it.

"They ride in packs of six or over. Sometimes it is organised. Sometimes it takes place after a football game or some sporting occasion.

"That's when we get these packs of cyclists. They'll ride from Somerset to Hamilton.

"They are taking their own lives in their hands, if you look at the number of recent road fatalities.

"They have to decide if they want to be another accident statistic or live their lives to the fullest.

"It's not just their own lives they are risking -- they are a hazard to others. We are working with the Transport Control Department to try and educate them.'' However P.c. Walkes denied the racing had led to any specific fatality.

He said: "But it has been a contributory factor to other accidents.'' Neville Darrell, who is president of the Taxi Division of the Bermuda Industrial Union, said the racers were a menace.

He said: "It happens in spurts. They ride at 50 and 60 mph.

"You can see them in packs of 20 or 30 riders. It usually happens late at night, they've been hanging out.''