Nowhere to ride

[totalmotorcycle]

Nowhere to ride
Tuesday, November 22, 2006 - By JESSICA JOHNSTON - Townsville Bulletin - townsvillebulletin.news.com.au



A TRAIL bike turf war has erupted in Townsville.

Riders are fighting back after being branded 'ferals' and outlaws, saying the lack of tracks forced them into the suburbs.

North Ward resident and trail bike enthusiast Drew Martin has launched a campaign, lobbying both councils and local land owners to give riders somewhere to practise their sport.

Eight local motorbike stores have got on board and traffic police are backing the plan.

Mr Martin launched his campaign after Kelso Country Estate residents complained that noisy, 'feral' trail bike riders were taking over their suburb.

But Mr Martin believes there must be a solution to suit both the residents and the riders.

"A couple of rotten eggs have ruined the whole salad," Mr Martin said.

"Unfortunately there is a bad perception. You get a couple of idiots riding across someone's front lawn or doing burn-outs and they spoil it for everyone."

Mr Martin has been riding trail bikes around the North for 30 years.

He said the housing boom, particularly around Shaws Rd and the Bohle had left riders with little space to practise their sport.

"It seems to be dying off in recent times," he said.

Mr Martin said the closest recreational track was two hours away in Kennedy.

He said a motorcross track at Bluewater was for racing, and cost $30 a day.

"That's for people to race. There's nowhere for families to go and just ride around together.

"And it's not really a cheap sport, when you add up fuel, maintenance and protective gear, particularly for kids and their parents who want to ride.

"These days we should be encouraging kids to be energetic and give them somewhere to go."

Mr Martin has left bundles of petitions lobbying for land in eight motorbike shops across the twin cities and he is urging riders to sign up.

"Every shop I approached was keen to help. They had seen the comments in the paper and said customers often comment there is no where to ride.

"One fellow said he goes to Mackay for a ride."

Mr Martin has written to both Townsville and Thuringowa councils and is awaiting a reply.

"Maybe council has land or there is a land owner with a couple of hundred hectares he's not using," he said.

"I understand something would have to be worked out with insurance, but there must be a solution. Something has to be done."

A Thuringowa City Council spokeswoman said the council was investigating possible sites for a trail bike facility.

"Thuringowa City Council recognises the need for a facility to accommodate trail bike riders and while there are currently no appropriate sites available within the city, council is investigating possible sites for the future," the spokeswoman said.

She said the council was looking to balance opportunities for trail bike riders and respect for Thuringowa residents.

"Outdoor physical activity and active, healthy lifestyles are promoted by council, however illegal trail bike riding within city parks, vacant allotments or open spaces cannot be ignored," she said.

"Illegal trail bike riding is not only disruptive for nearby residents but also presents safety and environmental issues."

Mr Martin urged other riders to contact him via email with suggestions on klmartin24@aapt.net.au.