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Trail Bikes in the Cascades / National Park - who do we call?


edmond's picture

By edmond - Posted on 05 September 2010

Hi Gang,

I need your advice. Today whilst riding the Cascades we came across two seperate groups of trail bikers (may have been one group split up). Probably about 6-7 bikes, of which 2 of the riders looked to be teenagers. Only one was registered but his plate wasnt readable.

It saddens me that these riders are disrespecting the signs, especially when there is so many places close by that they can ride. It is also a shame to see adults passing down this lack of respect to younger folk.

Anyway it beg's the question. Who do you call? Its national park, so do the rangers have a hotline or number to call. We tried to call their office in forestville i think it was but the office was closed.

Just a shame to see the anti cyclist mob get more ammo against us from law breaking trail bikers.

twotommos's picture

I was under the impression that trail-bikes were allowed to ride there, because we see them there frequently....?

Rob's picture

@tommos... oh dear. Sadly no - riding of motorised bikes is illegal in National Parks except for on roads open to the public (ie. roads you could drive your car on).

This post about a crack down earlier in the year states the same...

Media release: 5 January 2010

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has been stepping up patrols of national parks and nature reserves in the South Coast and Southern Highlands area over the holiday period in a crackdown on illegal trail bike riding.

NPWS Area Manager, Graham Bush, said today that illegal trail bike activity increases each summer during the holiday period.

"It is perfectly acceptable for licensed riders to ride registered trail bikes in a safe manner on park roads open to public vehicles," Mr Bush said.

"However, one of the real problems we have is the use of unregistered trail bikes in national parks particularly on walking tracks and trails.

"Many of the riders are unlicensed as well," he said.

"Trail bike riding can be dangerous in remote areas a long way from medical assistance, and riding on walking tracks can also be dangerous for bushwalkers.

"Off road use of trail bikes in parks is an ongoing problem and causes damage to the environment, while motor bikes and other vehicles using unauthorised tracks can damage trails important for fire fighting.

"Over the weekend a number of on the spot fines were issued for illegal activities such as riding motor bikes in unauthorised areas and we will continue with this crackdown.

"The patrols of the parks are important to make sure a few people doing the wrong thing don’t wreck it for the majority of visitors who are out to enjoy the parks, and to ensure our parks are protected," Mr Bush said.

From: http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/media/DecMedia...

There is a vehicle access policy here, but it's pretty vauge:

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/policies/Vehic...

k09's picture

Trail Bikes in the Cascades / National Park are definitely illegal & a very big threat to other users & the environment.

If you see trail bikes in a National Park on roads or trails that are not open to general public driving it should be reported to the local NP office ASAP so that they have a chance to take action.

The report should include time, exact location, bike & rider descriptions & any registration details.

NP can fine an identified rider based on good information as long as the reporting person is willing to make a written statement supporting the facts provided.

In Northern Beaches Area you can ring the Information Centre at Bobbin Head on 02 9472 8949 who can then call duty staff on the radio.

Alternatively during normal business hours you can call the Northern Beaches Area Office on 02-9451 3479 so they can take action if staff are available.

hawkeye's picture

Thanks for that - number filed in contact list

pancakes's picture

Live and let live. If they're not riding like d***heads, so what?

As for the damage to the environment of the cacades, lol, puh-leez! :rolleyes:

craked's picture

to turn a dirt bike you spin the back wheel and get traction under the surface dirt this is how it is done,this in turn starts erosion which causes damage to the enviroment.very few moto riders do not use this method of steering.

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