The campaign launched by ACT Policing today which targets unsafe and illegal trail bike riding in suburban and rural areas shows there is a need for a safe place for Canberra’s riders.
The ACT Government has been investigating the options for a safe riding park for unlicensed and unregistered motor bike riders in and around the ACT. This is particularly needed for kids who can’t ride anywhere in the ACT except on private property.
“Currently there is no facility where kids can learn to trail ride safely and legally in the ACT,” Minister for Sport and Recreation Andrew Barr said today. “The ACT Government is concerned that this is contributing to a growing problem of unsafe riding around Canberra’s suburbs and parks.
“I have asked my department to investigate the options and to meet with organsiations and interested parties over the last few months to ascertain the demand and options for a possible trail bike park. The ACT Government identified funds in this year’s Budget for this type of motorsport-related infrastructure. ”
Senator Kate Lundy, who is a member of the Dual Sport Motorcycle Riders’ Association, is a keen supporter of a trail bike park for Canberra.
“Canberra kids have nowhere to ride unless they are lucky enough to know someone with some private land where they can ride with permission. Mini-bike riding and trail bike riding for kids requires a safe place where they can learn safe riding skills and provide a range of experiences on trails and tracks,” Senator Lundy said.
“I congratulate the Stanhope Labor Government and Minister Barr for pursuing such a facility for Canberra because, as the ACT Policing campaign shows, the problems will get worse unless there is somewhere safe and legal for parents to take their kids to ride.”
Another report released today by the Health and Welfare Institute found men are more than twice as likely to be injured because many more have taken up motorbike riding over the last three years.
“This is further evidence of the urgent need to teach safe riding habits and to provide motor bike enthusiasts with safe places to ride and learn,” Mr Barr said.
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Hi, I am co-owner of Full Bore MX Park located only 50 minutes from Canberra. Due to a neighbour complaining and action from Council, we have closed until we can satisfy requirements for an updated Development Application. Unfortunately, we are having troubles raising the last $50,000 required to finalise and submit to enable Full Bore to re-open and provide the local canberra kids with a reasonably close, safe and cost effective facilty to ride. Our previous accident ratio was basically nil due to the experience in not only 30+ years of MX riding but also my husbands abilty to operate earth moving equipment. We would welcome any kind of sponsorship or grant to enable us to provide our facilty to the local community. Please feel free to contact us via email on full.bore@hotmail.com – you will recieve an instant response advising that we are closed until further notice, but we will recieve your email and respond to you.
Hi Jody
Good to hear from you! I am sorry you are in the situation that you are, having had the opportunity to ride at your facility in the past I saw how much work you put into it! Hopefully people will see your post and come up with some ideas!
Kate,
Firstly, I would like to thank you for your support in representing the greater community in trying to lobby for a safe and suitable place to ride trail bikes in Canberra. With the AFP recently announcing a crack down on illegal trail bike riding in the ACT, I thought it might be fitting to ask for an update on how you are progressing on this topic.
Also, is the government in a position to introduce an exemption under section 12(1)(a) of the Road Transport (General) Act 1999, to “exclude those riders that are participating in organised events managed and coordinated through government recognised clubs/associations” (such as DSMRA) until a suitable park can be established. This way, public liability will be covered through membership of such clubs/associations and riders will be educated and supervised enforcing safe riding practices.
Regards Steve
Gungahlin ACT. (041 6280 585)
Steve
Thanks for that I will ask the question of my ACT Govt colleagues regarding the prospect of an exemption for organised, approved events. Also, you may be aware the the ACT Motorcycle Club in partnership with the DSMRA have been opening up for a day a practice track, some trail and a minibike area every month or so out at their the actmcc facility at Fairbairn. You can get more info from theirwebsite http://actmcc.com/ or that of the dsmra if you are a member: https://www.dsmra.asn.au/index.php
Stephen
I did get a reply to you query some time ago, so I am really sorry for delay.. I can advise that Territory Venues and Events are working to establish a legal off-road recreational riding facility at Fairbairn Pines. This facility would be suitable for learner and younger riders. Territory Venues and Events staff also recently met with representatives of the Dual Sport Motorcycle Association (DSMRA) to discuss possibilities for establishing a larger facility suitable for enduro style riding. It is anticipated that any site for this type of venue will present constraints, such as being situated within water supply catchments or close to residential areas.
However, we recognise the need for these facilities and will work to resolve any issues surrounding the location of a suitable site. If your constituent would like further information the contact officer in Territory Venues and Events in the Department of Territory and Municipal Services is Rod Florence who may be contacted on telephone 6256 6713 or at r.florence@canberrastadium.com
A declaration that the road transport legislation, or part of the road transport legislation, does not apply to a road or road related area may be possible under section 12 of the Road Transport General Act 1999. However, details of the event such as whether the motorbikes/vehicles are registered and the riders/drivers are licensed would need to be clarified. Also, details of any proposed road closures for Roads ACT approval and insurance coverage for ACT Treasury approval, would be required. If your constituent would like further information the contact officer in Road Transport in the Department of Territory and Municipal Services is Greg Balshaw who may be contacted on telephone 6207 6182 or at greg.balshaw@act.gov.au via email.
Kate, thanks so much for your ongoing support on this matter. I understand the comments and really look forward to further development on this matter. Incidentially, the northern side of Canberra offer some great locations that could potentially provide a solution. In particular, the area between Gundaroo and collector (off Marked Tree Road)seem to offer large allotments away from dense residential areas and would have minimal impact to water catchment areas yet still in close proximity to Canberra riders…
regards Steve
“I have asked my department to investigate the options and to meet with organsiations and interested parties over the last few months to ascertain the demand and options for a possible trail bike park. The ACT Government identified funds in this year’s Budget for this type of motorsport-related infrastructure. ”
Dont forget that Full Bore MX Park is located just 50 mins from Canberra and would be a great place for all people (kids alike) to ride and more importantly, learn how to ride in a safe environment, any chance of getting some sort of funding from the Government to re-open our MX Park ??