Unwelcome bikers upsetting many

OFF-ROAD motorbikes are already becoming unwelcome summer intruders on Feilding’s parks and walkways with the walking public and nearby residents and businesses angered by safety, noise and dust issues.

Parks and Reserves Manager, Albert James, said the past weekend not only heralded the start of an anticipated hot summer but also the appearance of motorcyclists in no-go zones such as Johnston and Timona Parks and down riverside walkways.
“The weekend was shocking with many people upset by the bikers, who know they are not allowed to be in those areas,” he said. “It may only be a matter of time before they hurt someone. These are parks and walkways, not racetracks.”
Mr James said the bikes, many of them unregistered, were “too big, too noisy and downright dangerous” and it was clear the message on not riding in public reserves was not getting through.

He said 30 signs indicating banned areas for motorbikes and unregistered vehicles were erected earlier this year, but only about three now remained after the others were “ripped down, shot down or thrown away”.

“When riders are approached, their main excuse is that there were no signs in place. If these signs were left alone, then everyone would know they were entering a no-go area.”
Mr James said the riders were showing no consideration for others and the time was approaching for their unregistered, illegal machines to be confiscated.

“Because you’ve got a vehicle that can go somewhere doesn’t mean you have the legal right to use it there.”
In an attempt to curb the problem, more barriers are to be introduced at entry points and the signs replaced, while consideration is to be given on the placement of steel and wooden styles at strategic points along the walkways.

“You don’t want to fence off the parks and walkways so they look like part of a prison,” said Mr James, “but there have to be more deterrents and styles may be a way to contain the problem.”

He said the major trouble spots would continue to be monitored by council staff and police and neighbours were encouraged to report any illegal riding activities.
“I feel sorry for the people who have to put up with the noise and dust of these machines, and if nothing is done, then the problem will only get worse as summer comes on,” said Mr James.

“The motorbikes have become bigger, noise levels are increasing and more people are out walking. So it’s inevitable that a clash will occur - it’s become a dangerous situation and with many blind spots on the tracks there have been a number of close shaves and near-misses.”