Since the pandemic, according to a charity that trains vulnerable young people on off-road motorcycles, referrals have increased.
The group claims that weekly sessions at Bumpy in Birstall, West Yorkshire, are attended by more than 100 young people.
The charity says more people with mental health issues are being seen as a result of referrals from social services or the police.
Many visitors, according to project manager Carolyne Kenzitt, find that riding motorcycles helps them "empty their heads.".
As a result of the pandemic, more young people are being referred, according to Ms. Kenzitt.
"They have essentially isolated themselves, locked themselves in their bedrooms, and refuse to interact with anyone. They are unwilling to interact with friends.
"Hopefully we can connect with them through their love of motorcycles and provide them with a chance to forget about their problems while they are here riding around the track. ".
Regulars at the track, Scarlett and William both have ADHD and are autistic.
According to Scarlett's parents, she was isolating herself in her bedroom, refusing to interact with others, and experiencing bullying.
She was referred to Bumpy by West Yorkshire Police after getting into a fight.
I'm really awkward around people normally, she admitted. I recall being very quiet and barely speaking when I first got on the track.
"I then began to speak more. Actually, it gave me a lot more confidence than I already had. ".
"There's been a complete 360-degree turnaround from when she started to now," her father Mark observed.
She exudes a lot of confidence. She now has the skills necessary to handle issues effectively. ".
It's difficult to explain because, when you're riding a motorcycle, it seems like everything—including your thoughts and feelings—just vanishes as you focus solely on having fun. ".
Birstall Urban Motorcycle Project for Youth, also known as Bumpy, was founded to give young people a place to ride legally rather than imprudently on the streets.
The nonprofit organization claimed to frequently assist some of West Yorkshire's most at-risk kids, who run the risk of being groomed by criminal gangs.
It feels like a really important time, said West Yorkshire Police Sgt. Claire Thornton.
There are many things happening right now, not just in Leeds but all over the nation.
"By taking such measures at Bumpy, we prevent the kids from getting involved in crime and anti-social behavior.
Actually, it doesn't take that long. Simply making that small investment in a child early on can completely alter their future.
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