One of the magical things about Perth is the variety of natural environments able to be enjoyed. Miles of beach, the ‘Swan’, or the many walks through the Darling Scarp are waiting to be explored on a spare Sunday afternoon.

Time out is precious. So when the sound of trail bikes are heard, it’s a tricky balancing game for people seeking tranquillity and others who enjoy the thrill of trail biking. 

Western Australia is experiencing rapid growth in recreational trail bike riding, with sales of off-road motorcycles and quad bikes having increased by 66 per cent between 2004 and 2006.

However, while the number of recreational trail bike riders has increased, environmental issues, maintenance costs, and land acquisitions have seen the number of legal recreational trail bike riding areas decrease drastically.

Unfortunately the number of trail bikes being ridden illegally, including in suburban areas, has also increased as a result. This has caused much heated debate among riders, local government authorities, land managers, and residents who are upset by trail bikes being ridden in their localities.

“It was obvious to all parties that more legal and suitable places to ride trail and quad bikes needed to be found, developed and properly managed to overcome these issues,” Department of Sport and Recreation (DSR) Manager Steve Bennett said.

“With the problem extending across various Government and non-government agencies’ areas of responsibility, it was decided a coordinated approach was required.”

The 2008 Back on Track WA State Trail Bike Strategy (STBS) was commissioned by various Government and non-government agencies to identify the issues surrounding the use of off-road trail bikes in metropolitan and regional areas in WA.

Consultants Trail Bike Management of Australia were then commissioned by DSR to complete costings for the 98 recommendations which arose from the STBS. Once these costings are complete, resources will be sought from government to address the key recommendations.

However, work has already commenced in addressing a key recommendation of the strategy through the formation of a Joint Agency Implementation Committee (JAIC), which is beginning to formulate a better understanding of trail bike riding issues across WA.

The committee has representation from DSR, the Department of Environment and Conservation, the Department of Transport, the Department of Planning, the Department of Local Government and Regional Development, the Western Australian Local Government Association, and Motorcycling WA.

“The purpose of JAIC is to develop a Western Australian cross agency and industry response to the Back on Track STBS, including a contribution from the non government sector,” committee chairman Tony Simpson said.

“Not only is this joint approach helping to avoid duplication, but it is also helping the agencies work towards the best possible outcome.

“The issues surrounding trail bikes are complex, and it’s important that we work through them in a way that considers the differing perspectives of the various stakeholders involved.”

A greater level of understanding between trail bike users, those wandering trails at a more leisurely pace and residents living close by is being sought, and is vital to the achievement of a positive outcome for all parties involved.

So next time you’re in the bush, stop and listen to the sound of a fair go for all – and maybe the odd kangaroo storming through the scrub.

Photo: Rick Gill (Motorcycling WA), Rob Warburton (Dept. Transport), Paul Bond (WA Police), Jennifer Riatti (DSR), Jim Styles (Dept. Transport), Rob Kneebone (Water Corporation), Rod Annear (Dept. Environment and Conservation), Warren Pearce (WALGA), Steve Bennett (DSR), Natasha Hanham (DSR), and Tony Simpson, MLA Darling Range