SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2022 AT 11 AM
The Archival Memorial Fountain, Hyde Park
MCC of NSW #Saveourtrails Rally
We’re published!
Must be something to what we are doing because the Daily Telegraph published my letter to the editor (see below).
So let’s take advantage of it and lend some physical support….
Get your pens out or start typing and write a reply to it. If you can add your support via a follow up post in the Daily Tele we might get some recognition from a journo willing to take on our cause. Write/email your local politician and state your case. Make it clear, concise and logical. Add in how riding is a benefit to your health and well-being and that it’s a great way to get kids off the damned PC and out of the house! You know what to write, just don’t be a knob. We need to show that we are legal, smart, eco-aware and NOT eco terrorists!
Do it! (PS, thanks guys! We definitely ARE in this together!)
Published in Letters to the Editor, Daily Telegraph 20/11/21
How much will be taken?
For more than 40 years the Newnes Plateau has been covered in pine plantations which have been harvested and left to rot just as the hardwood forest has also been logged and left barren to recover by itself (‘$50m plan for new ecotourism adventure park near the Blue Mountains’, Saturday Telegraph, 12/11). It is not the “natural” environment the green movement would lead you to believe.
All during this time it has been a haven for 4x4s and trail bikes using the existing and disused fire trails and for campers as every other forest location has been taken over by city-based green influence. Yes there are some spectacular sites on the edges of the plateau but no one would know about them if it wasn’t for the 4WDs and bikes but now the entire plateau is being assimilated into the great green national park conglomerate. How much more is going to be taken? Can’t just a bit of the plateau be left for us recreational vehicle users? We don’t all like touristy garbage and ride mountain bikes. Nup. Nothing for us even though we pay our rego, insurance and licences. If you don’t think there are many voters driving 4x4s and riding dirt bikes, think again.
Glenn (online)
2011 SA Motorcycling report for recreational trail riding
The SA Motorcycling strategic plan brief was:
“For the purposes of this strategy the focus will be on the recreational aspects of off road motorcycling and only includes two wheeled motorcycles. Recreational riding opportunities and facilities are the focus of this strategy. There are three main types of off road motorcycling Off Road Recreational (Trail) Riding, Adventure Riding and Motocross including Mini Bikes. “
The major issue facing off road motorcyclists in South Australia is the lack of legitimate areas to ride. In SA the main access to riding areas is through membership of affiliated clubs to Motorcycling SA and some private ride parks and rural properties. With the exception of a small number of club based and private off road parks, which mainly suits unregistered motorcycles, and the public road network, which is not adequate for off road motorcycling, there are no areas purposely set aside for this activity.
The strategies and actions identified to address these issues have been included under four key strategic areas and are outlined here:
FACILITIES PROVISION
Develop a series of ‘on road’ (formed gravel) trails for adventure riding throughout South Australia
Develop and enhance off road ride parks.
Obtain access to forest areas for more dynamic riding experiences.
Develop initiatives and tools to improve access to off road motorcycling facilities, venues and areas.
EDUCATION AND AWARENESS
Increase awareness, safety and education for responsible rider behaviour. Educate riders to conduct their activities legally and responsibly.
GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Establish a governance and management structure to implement the Strategy.
Encourage the inclusion of off road facility development in government long term planning.
SUSTAINABILITY
Discourage illegitimate off road motorcycling riding.
Advocate for additional funding to implement the Strategy. Minimise impacts on the environment from off road motorcycling.
Read the full report >> HERE
Motorcycle and ATV sales for full year 2020
The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), the peak body for the automotive industry in Australia, today released sales for motorcycles and off highway vehicles (OHVs) for full year 2020.
Total sales for the year were recorded at 108,926 units, an increase of 19,727 vehicles and 22.1 per cent on full year 2019 when 89,199 sales were recorded.
OHVs demonstrated significant sales growth during the year, with 24,856 vehicles sold. This represents a strong increase of 6,950 vehicles, or 38.8 per cent, over the same period in 2019 when 17,906 vehicles were sold.
Off-Road motorcycles also recorded strong growth, with 44,697 vehicles sold during the year – a 30.3 per cent increase on the 2019 calendar year when a total of 34,298 units were sold.
Similarly, road bikes exhibited an increase in sales, with 34,912 units sold during 2020. This represents an increase of 9.2 per cent, or 2,931 units, on calendar year 2019 when 31,981 units were sold.
Scooters were the only segment of the 2020 motorcycle and OHV full year sales to record a decrease. A total of 4,461 units were sold, 553 fewer, or 11 per cent less, than the 5,014 sales recorded in 2019.
Tony Weber, chief executive of the FCAI, said the increased sales were welcomed by the industry.
“Given the difficult market conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is reassuring to see segments of the market continuing to perform well.
“The rise in popularity of personal transport in this segment demonstrates that OHVs, off-road motorcycles and road bikes were a preferred option for many recreational and commuting activities during the year,” Mr Weber said.
Key figures include:
Gippsland Trail Bike Pilot Project – Oct 2019
The Victorian Government has committed $2.8 million from the Motorcycle Safety Levy to boost safety for trail bike riders in the popular Neerim State Forest.
Motorcycle and ATV sales soar in second quarter 2020 – 07 Jul 2020
The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), the peak body for the automotive industry in Australia, today released the first half figures for 2020, for the sale of new motorcycles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and Side by Side Vehicles (SSVs) – and the news is very positive.
Shoalhaven RFS add trail bike team to firefighting arsenal
“The NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) Shoalhaven District has added another asset to its firefighting arsenal with the introduction of trail bike operations.
The team of six riders, will at this stage utilise four Suzuki DR 400 trail bikes for the 2019 fire season, with the plan to add more and expand the group’s capabilities.”
Health Benefits Document
“The Government recommends targets for exercise in order to remain healthy. It is advised to take either 150 minutes of moderate exercise, 75 minutes of vigorous exercise or a combination of both per week.”
DSMRA AGM Minutes 2019
“Thank you for everyone who has come to this year’s meeting, we do appreciate it.
It is with a glad heart I hope to step aside at the end of this meeting. I’m glad because in the 2 years as President, I and the committee have achieved virtually all we’ve set out to do.
The committee has held meetings by skype on the first Wednesday of every second month or there abouts.”
Back on Track – Full Report
“The State Trail Bike Strategy was prepared by Trail Bike Management Australia between June 2007 and November 2007. Feedback to the draft Strategy was received from December 2007 to March 2008. The project team wishes to thank all those who articipated in this process, those who met with the consultants or who thoughtfully expressed their views in writing or via the online survey.
The consultants acknowledge the advice, assistance and information provided by the following groups and individuals in the preparation of this strategy:”