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Dse Promotes Safe And Responsible Motorbike Riding In State Forests

Riding a motorbike through State forests is a popular pursuit and there are many areas of State forest where riders can enjoy Victoria’s great outdoors.

By Department of Sustainability & Environment - 16th June 2004 - Back to News

The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) would like to remind riders of their responsibilities, especially heading into holiday season.

Riders are welcome to use the marked roads and tracks in State forest open to the public, provided they follow the guidelines set out below. Roads open to the public in Victoria’s National Parks and reserves are also available for use by motorbikes.

Legal requirements:

Riders must be fully licensed and their motorbike must be registered and roadworthy.

Drive only on roads open to the public (it is illegal to drive off formed roads). Roads open to vehicles are public roads, so all normal road rules apply.

Motorbikes and other vehicles may only use roads constructed for the passage of vehicles with four wheels. Walking tracks or tracks created informally by vehicles are NOT roads.

Some roads may be closed seasonally for reasons of safety, weather, or to minimise erosion. These roads may not be used while they are closed. They are usually signposted or enforced by barriers.

In State forests, permits may be required for competitive or commercial motorbike events and for some club or group activities.

For further information and to apply for a permit, please contact your local Department of Sustainability and Environment office.

Tread lightly – be a responsible rider

Respect the rights of other visitors. Remember many people head to the bush for peace and quiet. Avoid riding noisy vehicles in popular areas. If you choose to unload your vehicle in a formal carpark or picnic spot, don't warm up your bike where you might upset others. Should you meet people horse riding, walking or cycling – slow down and drive well clear of them.

Stay on the road. Do not ride "off road", or on closed roads. Pioneering a new road or track, or riding cross-country is not only illegal, it also damages the environment you have come to enjoy.

When driving, be prepared for the unexpected. Timber trucks, 4WDs, horse riders, hikers, cyclists and native animals may also be using your chosen track.

Before leaving on any trip, check road conditions. Do not use any roads or tracks when they are wet or likely to be damaged.

Be safety conscious – plan your trip carefully, maintain your vehicle and be fully equipped. Leave details of your proposed trip with a responsible person.

Report fallen trees or limbs across the roads to the nearest DSE office (for State forests) or Parks Victoria office (for parks and reserves).

Leave no trace. Take all rubbish home.

Take care with fire – observe all fire regulations and Total Fire Ban days. Don’t let your exhaust emit sparks.

Join a club and support responsible motorbike riding.

When you ride, you are an ambassador for your sport so be aware that your behaviour can leave lasting impressions with other forest visitors.

DSE is currently reviewing the use of trailbikes in State Forest through the Central Highlands Trailbike Project. This program aims to address issues of noise and environmental impacts that are the direct result of trailbike use. Through a community consultation and involvement process, the project aims to outline changes and control measures that need to be implemented in order to protect the environment and the interests of residents, trailbike riders and other forest users.

The findings of this project will be presented to the Minister for the Environment in the form of a Discussion Paper with recommendations for considerations and response. If you would like to know more about the project or the community workshops and how you or your club can be involved, please contact the Project Manager, Kate Hill at DSE Noojee on 5624 8100.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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