Illegal trail biking and 4WDing increases

ILLEGAL off-road activity in Victoria’s parks, forests and reserves by trail bikes and four-wheel drives is increasing.

The Conservation Regulator has issued more than 100 infringements for off-road vehicle use by trail bike riders and four-wheel drivers since January 1.

Riding and driving off-road can cause soil erosion and damage native vegetation. The ecosystems in the forests are fragile and vehicles can destroy wildlife habitat.

Authorised officers are patrolling key locations across the state, targeting illegal trail bike and four-wheel driving activity, and on-the-spot fines of $165 apply.

The issue is a recurring one in the Otways, with Parks Victoria and the Conservation Regulator issuing more than 80 people infringement notices for illegal trailbike riding in the Great Otway National Park and Otway Forest Park between May and June last year.

The maximum fine for riding or driving on closed roads is $3,300, while damaging wildlife habitat can result in a fine of more than $8,000.

The Conservation Regulator is working closely with recreational groups and is asking them to consider the following key points:

• All vehicles including trail bikes must be registered, trail bike riders must hold a current motor bike licence
• Stay on the formed roads and vehicle tracks – do not ride on natural terrain, in streams, or on informal single tracks
• For your own safety, always ride with others and wear full personal protective equipment (PPE), including a helmet
• Always carry a first aid kit, as well as a reliable means of communication
• Unload and start your trail bike away from residents neighbouring adjoining state forests (you value your riding, they value their peace and quiet)
• Keep your speed and noise down when in, or near, camping and picnic areas, or approaching other forest users.

“If you take a vehicle off-road to drive through our forests, you’re not only risking your own safety, but that of others who are hiking and bushwalking through the landscape, and you can cause significant environmental damage,” Conservation Regulator acting director of regulatory operations Brian Hamer said.

“Our officers conduct frequent patrols in state forests and use advanced surveillance technology to identify illegal off-road driving and riding,”
he said.

For more information on the rules and regulations, head to ffm.vic.gov.au/recreational-activities/trail-bike-riding.