Trail bikes a problem: mayor

By Jim Mynard
RECREATIONAL motorbike riders have been making life hell for some residents, according to Casey mayor Colin Butler.
This is the latest in a long debate on problems associated with recreation trail bike riding in the city of Casey and the shire of Cardinia.
Cr Butler told the Tuesday, 21 November Casey council meeting that people needed to understand the rules about trail bike riding.
He said the council should lay down some regulations on recreational motorbike riding.
“We have a local law that says a permit is needed to ride on land of less than two hectares, but people are buying land in some of these areas that cover five hectares,” Cr Butler said.
“People don’t expect to have motorbikes running around when they buy these expensive properties.
“I’m not saying we should ban motorbikes, but we need some rules.”
Mayfield Ward councillor Kevin Bradford said hundreds of recreational bike riders had nowhere to ride.
Four Oaks Ward councillor Rob Wilson said regulations should be introduced to cover noise emissions on the bikes.
“We need to step back from this and relook at the problem,” he said.
Cr Wilson said if Cr Butler’s motion restricted bike riding on properties it could force riders on to parklands and railway lines.
The council asked officers to prepare a draft local law that would define rules and regulations for the use of recreational motor vehicles on private property.
Cardinia Shire Council is also revisiting its stance on the riding of motorbikes and other recreation vehicles on private property.
The council is working on a new local law addressing the issue ,which has been the subject of plenty of discussion in the community.
Cr Bill Ronald said that now the Pakenham pool’s future was settled, a motorsports facility would be his next big issue on council.