Forests NSW has embarked on a number of initiatives to encourage safe and responsible use of trail bikes in State forests. Rider photo copyright Rod Cartwright. Inset: Helmet and wheel shots David Barnes/Forests NSW Image Library.

Did you know that you must have a licence and your trail bike must be registered if you are riding in State forests? And that quad bikes are not allowed? With off-road adventuring an increasingly popular pastime, some users are unaware of the requirements for riding in State forests. Forests NSW is tackling the issue head on, with a number of initiatives across the state. Hilary Smith reports.

The sale and registration of trail bikes and other off-road vehicles continues to increase in New South Wales. Statistics from NSW Roads and Traffic Authority show sales of off-road vehicles (trail bikes) increased by 9.1% between 2004 and 2005 while sales of all-terrain vehicles, including quad bikes, increased by 15.8% in the same period.

This increase has seen more riders seeking an enjoyable experience on their vehicle, often in a local State forest, or taking a group trip for riding and camping in State forests renowned for challenging rides.

Unfortunately, there are people who do not register their bikes or obtain a licence. Accidents involving off-road vehicles continue to occur, while inappropriate trail bike riding in forests can cause environmental damage and be a nuisance to other forest visitors.

Forests NSW has embarked on a number of programs aimed at addressing these issues, while continuing to provide a great venue for responsible off-road riding.

Forest users education project

Rider safety, social responsibility and environmental awareness are the focus of a joint project between the Dual Sport Motorcycle Riders Association, Motorcycle Council of NSW and Forests NSW.

Project coordinator and member of the Motorcycle Council of NSW, Clinton Jurd, said the project had been funded by the NSW Environmental Trust to develop and
implement an educational and awareness raising process for forest recreation users.

“In particular, it will focus on trail bikers to address safety and reduce irresponsible and illegitimate forest use, while highlighting the environmental and social issues of forest trail bike recreation,” Clinton said.

“The key to the project will be consultation with all forest users, land managers and affected communities about their issues and perceptions of trail bike riding and its impacts on forests.”

Outcomes of the project will include educational and promotional material encouraging appropriate and responsible use of forests, while improving people’s understanding of forests for their recreational, commercial and environmental worth.

“The aim is to influence the behaviour of trail bikers while they’re enjoying the forest, by providing them with easily accessible and relevant information. We want to continue to improve relations between users, land managers, police and locals,” Clinton said.

The project’s steering committee would like to establish a list of contacts willing to act as a reference group.

“We are keen to have as diverse and extensive participation in the project as possible. Consultation and participation is crucial to its success,” Clinton said.

“Participation would involve providing input about the relationship between your activity and trail riding, and providing feedback on the educational products as they are developed.”

Forest visitors wanting to contribute are asked to contact Clinton Jurd at clinton_jurd@hotmail.com

Trail bike advisory group established on south coast

Forests NSW staff on the New South Wales south coast have joined with local trail bike groups and tour operators to develop a plan for the future use of State forests in the area.

Mogo State Forest has become an increasingly popular destination for trail bike riders, with long-term and ongoing use of this area causing some environmental issues.

Forests NSW Batemans Bay-based planning manager, Ian Barnes, said the goal was to bring parties together in a positive and open environment.

“We hope to be able to provide future opportunities for trail bike enthusiasts while addressing our environmental and safety concerns,” Ian said.

“The forum provides everyone with the opportunity to bring their issues to the table. We will look at a number of management options to try and accommodate the range of community expectations.”

The advisory group has held two meetings, with the next planned for September.

Responsible trail bike riding in State forests

Where can I go trail bike riding in State forests?

Responsible riders are welcome to use fire trails and roads within State forests. Remember, forest roads are public roads and all normal road rules apply.

All vehicles in State forests must be registered and riders must be appropriately licensed.

Obey the laws and regulations for recreational vehicles that apply to public lands and wear the required safety equipment. All-terrain vehicles and quad bikes are
not permitted in State forests.

If you have any questions about these or other recreational activities in State forests, contact your local Forests NSW office or visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/forests.

Do I need a permit?

Independent and individual use of State forests for trail bike riding does not require a permit and is free of charge.

However, permits are required for most organised events and a fee may be charged. Applications for permits should be made to the local Forests NSW office.

Appreciate the forests you visit. Lack of respect and the resulting damage can quickly lead to exclusion from forest areas.

Responsible riders: respect the forest, respect others and ride safely

Bike blitzes in the Watagan State Forests

Forests NSW continues to cooperate with other land managers and local authorities in encouraging legal and safe use of trail bikes in State forests.

The Watagan Mountains, south west of Newcastle, is one of the most popular destinations for off-road activities in the state. A recent cooperative venture with local police saw more than 30 fines issued to people for riding unlicensed or unregistered bikes.

Such operations will continue in State forests close to the major population centres of Newcastle and the Central Coast in efforts to raise awareness of the requirements for riding in State forests. Similar blitzes have been staged in Riverina forests.

Guidelines for off-road events developed in central west

Demand for locations for responsible riders to participate in organised off-road events is increasing, with Forests NSW Bathurst based staff developing guidelines for off-road events in plantation pine forests in the region.

An agreement has been developed with Central Tablelands Motorcycle Club for the construction of temporary single-wheel motorcycle tracks (‘single tracks’) for events in Sunny Corner State Forest.

Forests NSW infrastructure manager, Damien Dubrowin, said the idea is to allow for temporary event locations with courses constructed to standards that will minimise negative environmental impacts.

If successful, the model could be adopted more widely in the future.

This article appears in the Spring 2006 edition of Bush Telegraph Magazine.