Weeds, and Soil and Plant Diseases

The use of trail bikes and equally other forms of forest use have the potential to act as a vector or a way for pest species, weeds, and plant and soil diseases to spread to other areas. Pest species, weeds, and plant and soil diseases can be transferred from one area to another if proper precautions are not taken.

Phytophthora

For example a soil disease or fungus known as phytophthora is a major threat to many native plants and ecosystems, and also to agricultural crops. It is mainly spread by road building, timber harvesting, and mine exploration, and also by bush walking. Obviously it can also be spread by trail bikes and motor vehicles. Attempts to eradicate this fungus have been unsuccessful and so the only effective way to stop it is to prevent it from spreading by being aware if you are riding in an area where it known to occur and ensuring that you wash your bike and your gear, and your car before riding elsewhere.

Wash your bike and your gear for you and the environment

Trail bikes, riding equipment including footwear must be thoroughly washed following each ride to reduce the likelihood of pest species, weeds, and plant/soil pathogens/diseases being transferred to other areas. It may also be necessary to wash your motor vehicle and bike trailer if you’ve driven on dirt roads in affected areas. Remember also that washing your bike is an essential part of maintenance as you will notice when parts such as brakes are worn or damaged while your washing.

Water pollution at home

You should also ensure that you don’t wash your trail bike where the dirty water will flow into a creek or river. This will pollute your local creek or river and may also cause the spread of something that doesn’t belong there.
The simplest way to avoid causing water pollution or spreading a pest species or disease when you wash your bike or even your car and trailer is to wash it on the grass or in a properly designed washbay or carwash facility. It’s illegal to cause water pollution by causing or allowing anything other than clean and un-contaminated water to wash into the stormwater system which is your creeks, lagoons, lakes, and rivers.