Police target illegal trail bike riding

ACT Policing has launched a campaign targeting the illegal riding of trail bikes in both suburban and rural areas.

In the ACT it is an offence to ride an unregistered, uninsured or unroadworthy trail bike on public roads or in areas including forestry reserves and national parks. It is also an offence for registered trail bikes to be ridden off the road in any of the suburban green areas, parks or reserves. Registered and roadworthy motorcycles are able to be ridden by licenced riders in designated areas of the territory such as forests however; strict rules apply including a speed limit of 40 km/hr.

As part of the campaign ACT Policing has taken take delivery of three new trail bikes to help patrol off-road riding spots. Painted in high visibility orange, the KTM 625SXC trail bikes have been assigned to ACT Policing Traffic Operations. Six officers will operate the motorcycles as a part of their normal traffic patrol duties.

Superintendent Mark Colbran says the campaign is designed to raise owner-awareness of responsibilities when riding in the ACT.

“Many people purchase trail bikes for themselves or their children not taking into consideration the laws on registration, licensing and the restrictions on where the motorcycles can be ridden.

“Trail bikes are extremely annoying for residents when used in urban areas. Riders also need to be aware they face the same restrictions in both suburban and rural regions of the ACT,” Superintendent Colbran said.

For information on the restrictions of trail bike use, visit the ACT Policing website; www.afp.gov.au or to report the illegal use of trail bikes contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.act.crimestoppers.com.au.