Call for joint action on illegal bike riding

The Central Coast branch of the Australian Conservation Foundation has called for the joint efforts of Gosford Council, Umina PCYC and local police in a strategy to reduce damage by trail bikes to bushland on the Peninsula.

Branch president Mr Mark Snell said a motor bike track should be considered urgently as part of a damage reduction strategy.

"Rare bushland on the Woy Woy Peninsula is now being damaged at a greater rate than ever because of illegal trail bike riding," Mr Snell said.

"Gosford Council should work with the police and the Umina PCYC to eliminate the dangers and damage caused by illegal motor bike riding.

"They should work together to divert the young people involved into constructive activities, and riding on a purpose-built track could be one of these."

The Central Coast Australian Conservation Foundation branch has joined the Umina District Cricket Club in calls for a crackdown on illegal bike activity after local sporting fields had been damaged by bike riders.

Mr Snell said that because the police did not have authority over council parks and reserves there needed to be a concerted effort with the council.

"The community has a right to be concerned about illegal bike riding, but more is needed than just a police presence," Mr Snell said.

"Without a coordinated effort, a crackdown could backfire.

"The police will get the bikes off the streets, but where will they go?

"This is not a police concern, as long as illegal riders are not on the roads.

"Often, the result of a crackdown will be that riders take to sporting reserves and the bush, resulting in even greater damage."

Cr Terri Latella said it was important for council and the police to work together to stop illegal trail bike riding.

"The police need to work with Council to stop this behaviour," Cr Latella said.

"We need to place signs in bushland areas clearly stating the damaging consequences and the regulations in place and also provide positive community education that this is unacceptable behaviour and is disrespectful to the environment and the community.

"The residents in Gosford and on the Peninsula regard our native bushland setting as one of the key factors in their quality of life.

"Activities that disturb or destroy will not be tolerated and should it continue council should look at placing bans or prohibitions on trail bike riding.

"Respect is a mutual thing and works both ways so if these vandals can't respect and work with the community then they should not be allowed in certain areas altogether."

Cr Latella said a ban on access to bushland may need to be enforced if the damage continues.

"Although I am not an advocate on banning but rather educating it may need to be looked at if this continues," Cr Latella said.

"We could fence areas but unfortunately this prevents the community from benefiting from the reserve.

"Gosford Council allocates a great deal of funds on plans of management and implementing bushcarers to conserve and maintain the bushland environment.

"The community through volunteer assistance also expend much time, energy and commitment into the natural bushland environment and therefore we may need to become more Draconian in our attitude toward regulating its use.

"The message should be clear 'care or close'."

Mr Snell said this was a good opportunity to involve the Umina PCYC.

"This is exactly the sort of situation where the PCYC should come into its own," Mr Snell said.

"Council should work actively with the police to apprehend the offenders and to divert them into PCYC programs."

Mr Snell said that young people from The Web Youth Services in Umina had petitioned the council in the past for a motor bike track.

"It would be good to see the Umina PCYC establish a dedicated motor bike circuit on the Peninsula - perhaps at Woy Woy tip.

"Such a facility is well overdue.

"It is clear that there is an on-going demand for a motor bike facility for young people, which is not going to go away.

"If a legal avenue is not made available, it is not surprising that some young people will chose to ride illegally, with consequent damage to the environment and other community assets."

Press release, 4 Dec 2008 Mark Snell, ACF Central Coast