Bike riders pass test

TRAIL bike riders in the forests around Toolangi and Marysville were included in an Easter crackdown, and most passed the test.
The joint Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and Victoria Police crackdown on rider behaviour in several of the state’s parks and forests was described as a success by DSE regional compliance officer Greg Chant.
Patrols around popular camping areas in the northeast region saw more than 600 riders observed of which half were stopped and questioned by officers.
Mr Chant said it was encouraging to see 90 per cent of riders doing the right thing.
“It shows that riders are getting the message that if they are licensed, registered and stay on the legal road network, they are welcome on public land,” he said.
“Unfortunately, there are still those who continue to ignore rules which are in place to ensure the safety of all forest users and the protection of the environment.”
About 60 riders were issued with infringement notices and more than half of those related to unlicensed riding or unregistered bikes.
The number of children illegally riding mini-bikes was a major concern for police.
“Unfortunately, some parents continue to allow their children to illegally ride trail bikes in state forests and parks which is extremely unsafe,” Victoria Police Regional Inspector Ross Smith said.
Insp Smith said normal road rules apply in state forests and parks and that riders must be licensed, helmeted and riding a registered bike.
Future operations are planned as part of the State Government’s $5 million Trail Bike Project to improve the management of trail bikes on public land.
For more information on trail bike riding visit: www.dse.vic.-gov.au/trailbikes or contact the DSE on 136 186.