Off-road trauma targeted

By Lachlan Ellis

Local police will be taking part in an off-road operation this month, focusing on motorcyclists, in an effort to drive down off-road collisions.

Victoria Police from both Moorabool and Ballarat will take to the region’s state forests and national parks as part of Operation Endo, named after a bike trick in which the back wheel is lifted.

The operation will run across weekends throughout October in hotspots for recreational off-road motorcycling, with police performing breath tests and drug tests on motorcyclists, as well as licence and registration checks.

Moorabool Highway Patrol’s Senior Constable Mathew Beavis urged motorcyclists to exercise caution, and said those doing the wrong thing on motorbikes would be caught.

“Unfortunately, with an increase in motorcycling activity at this time of year, we tend to also see an increase in motorcyclist trauma – both on and off road. Our intelligence shows that these collisions are most likely to occur on weekends, and predominantly in our national parks and state forests, so we’ll be focusing on these times and locations,” Senior Constable Beavis told the Moorabool News.

“We’ll be engaging with riders to ensure they’re well versed on safe riding practices, like ensuring their bike is good working order, and wearing the correct safety gear. We’ll also be enforcing against high-risk riding behaviour, and riders should expect to see police and be intercepted while riding, as we’ll be conducting compliance checks and alcohol and drug testing.”

October to December is traditionally a high-risk period for motorcyclist trauma, and police are anticipating the warmer spring weather will see many riders returning to off-road riding.

Riders are being reminded to conduct safety checks on their motorcycles prior to travelling off-road and ensure they are in good working order, as well as wearing appropriate safety gear to protect against serious and fatal injuries.

Police are urging riders to be mindful of fatigue and take regular breaks, especially before travelling home after spending the day riding.

Riders are also encouraged to plan ahead and check the conditions prior to riding, including park closures.

Visit Parks Victoria for the latest information and updates on changed conditions and closures.