New push to improve trail bike behaviour

Land managers on the North Coast are launching a public education campaign aimed at reducing illegal motorbike use on public land.

They include the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Forests NSW, Department of Premier and Cabinet and NSW Police.

“Responsible motorbike riders are welcome on public lands,” said campaign spokesman David Wilson of Forests NSW.

“The aim is to educate motorbike riders about appropriate motorbike use on public lands and to improve community and motorbike rider safety.

“People can only ride on public lands if they are licensed and their motorbike is registered and roadworthy, the same as any public road in the State.”

Mr Wilson said unregistered motorbikes have no third party insurance, and if the rider is involved in an accident they could be responsible for significant liability costs.

“They can also be charged by the land manager and police for illegal use of roads and being unregistered and unlicensed,” Mr Wilson said.

“Fundamentally the campaign aims to improve rider and public safety but it is also to reduce related damage to the environment and public assets stemming from unauthorised trail bike activity.

“Irresponsible motorbike riders impact on neighbours, other public land users and the environment.”

Mr Wilson said inconsiderate trail bike riders cause noise disturbance and environmental damage to tracks and trails, resulting in loss of habitat and soil erosion.

“Networks of ad hoc tracks created by motorbikes are expensive to repair and can lead to weeds and pests spreading more quickly,” Mr Wilson said.

“This campaign will provide a network for public agencies to exchange information on prevention strategies by integrating compliance operations on the North Coast.

“We urge trail bike riders to do the right thing and stick to riding registered bikes on legal trails.

“Riding on closed trails on public lands is a serious offence and will attract further fines for offenders.

“Many motorbike riders are doing the right thing.

“Unfortunately some don’t and the problem is that these riders can pose a significant risk to the public safety of other park users such as families and bush walkers.”

A new brochure and posters have been released as part of the campaign.

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