28 July 2008

Coppers on trail bikes

| Serendipity
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It seems that wherever I or some of my friends went over the weekend we saw large bright orange trail bikes with coppers in bright yellow jackets prowling around the grassy areas and bike paths of the suburbs. Friends even said they saw them with some blokes in utes with trail bikes on the back out at the Cotter Reserve.

So I guess they are finally taking on the illegal trail bikers that disturb my peace often.

Personally, I thought it was good to see them (the coppers not the illegal trail bikers) and good that they are aware of the problem and the noisy illegal trail bikes are as much a suburban problem as out the Cotter way, probably more so in the suburbs where it affects many more of us directly. Previously I have just endured the problem thinking that the coppers couldn’t or didn’t do anything about it, but now I see they are having a go, I, for one support it.

I will be ringing in and reporting any illegal trail bikes I see. I might even take some photos to prove my case as I don’t remember seeing any of the trail bikers with rego plates to identify them by.

What annoys me most of all is when my dog takes me for a walk invariably a trail bike(s), usually ridden by helmetless teenagers, would ruin my peace and destroy the purpose of the green areas and walking tracks.

Have the coppers got a power to seize illegal trail bikes like they can with hoon cars? If not, they should have.

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This has really got you fired up vg hasn’t it? I’m glad I have been able to experience your “finer” side. A real pleasure to be around, so to speak.
Just to make one thing clear, I have never owned a trail bike, but have lived near neighbours with them riding at all hours of the day and night. But you didn’t see me on them or complaining about the minor interference they caused as they rode up and down and around the street.
As far as your personal attacks, your slight hold on the english language and your sharp comebacks, hopefully it makes you feel your are a far more superior being than myself or others in this forum. Because from what I can gather, you are coming off as an arrogant know it all, looking to instigate aguements any chance you get. Sure we all like to put in our 2 cents, but once you have made your point, get over it! Stop dwelling on the small things and maybe get out into the sunlight and enjoy this wonderful city of ours.
On this whole thing of kids riding their bikes where they’re not supposed to, I hope when they come around your house looking for you to sign the petition to have a purpose built area/track constructed, you are more than willing to sign and even get those around you put their names on it. You might even be able to contribute in a constructive manner.
Anyways, keep smiling.

VG I’m really getting sick of these fights you keep starting.

You’re often right, but you don’t need to ruin your argument with the personal attacks.

I won’t warn again.

Matto

English and logic lesson. What I said I would describe as a metaphor. You stated, and I quote, “Don’t let the 5 seconds of noise ruin your day”. This implies that we should all just acqiuesce to the issue and let it happen.

I replied that my turd would only stink for 10 secs, so don’t let it ruin your day. This draws an annoyance parallel between my post and yours.

I understand you may have been busy on your trail bike and missed a good part of an English and comprehension education, but you really must bring yourself up to speed if you are to survive without ridicule here.

If we extrapolate your post, the period of uncomfortablity directly relates to someone objecting to it being miserable. Perhaps if I let off a car alarm outside your bedroom window every morning at 0300 for 4 secs (1 sec less than your trail bike noise as stated) you would gain a greater appreciation of what I am saying.

Ultimately that won’t happen though, as you are the living, breathing stereotype (I love that word) of the suburban trail bike warrior. Next time you go to a fatal accident involving a suburban trail bike warrior going decidedly pear shaped give me a tinkle

@vg
So by dropping a loaf in someonene’s bedroom makes you a giant in society? You’ll have to refresh my memory when they made this type of behaviour acceptable.

Matto

Compared to the juvenile piffle you originally posted, and I’d urge you to read this again

“What’s the big deal? They closed the bike track out at Stromlo so where are they meant to ride? I must admit riding on footpaths is not the smartest idea, but with all the greenspace, they’re not doing anyone any real harm. Big deal, every now and then you hear them come by, it’s not like they’re on your font lawn tearing it up. Don’t forget, we were all teenagers at one point in our life. What would you rather them sitting in front of the idiot box playing video games, stuffing junk food into their mouth while becoming socially retarded? What do you get out of dobbing these people in? Do the cops give you a great big medal to pin on your chest? I hope so, what’s the point? Why inflict your miserable life on some one else? Don’t let the 5 seconds of noise ruin your day. They’re also enjoying the outdoors, they just might be doing it a little bit faster and noisier than you”

I would suggest that compared to you I am a true giant of society.

You were suddenly all uppity and ‘get over it’ to people and now you suddenly go all soft with this

“Like I said earlier, riding on the footpath, is not cool. Same with terrorising kids playing in these Greenspaces. By all means, call the cops. But if they up in the Brindie’s or just riding through, are they really doing that much harm?”

Make your mind up what side of the fence you are sitting on or this will be a painful literary and educational experience for you here on this site. People who ride trailbikes on footpaths, public greenspaces in suburbia and up and down the street unregistered in a dangerous way are morons….full stop

Since the Darwin award winner left this earth near the Latham power station earlier this year there has been a noticeable decrease in trail bike action around my area. The spastic 50 year old down the street still tools up and down on his monkey bike every now and then though. I just don’t think he knows what a tard he looks like

Years ago I saw 2 trail bikes heading towards me on the East Curtin path;
they turned off before we closed. The thing is, they were doing walking pace at most.
Totally illegal yet responsible. What they were up to earlier? No idea.

I don’t get how monkey bikes can be sold as if they can be used.

Like I said earlier, riding on the footpath, is not cool. Same with terrorising kids playing in these Greenspaces. By all means, call the cops. But if they up in the Brindie’s or just riding through, are they really doing that much harm?

Oh and vg, nice, really nice. I hope that makes you feel better. You are a real pillar in the community aren’t you?

@ MATTO,

What’s the big deal? They closed the bike track out at Stromlo so where are they meant to ride? I must admit riding on footpaths is not the smartest idea, but with all the greenspace, they’re not doing anyone any real harm.

I can see common sense is lacking.

Do you have kids that you drive around in a car?

Then…. when you see people drag racing on the streets do you think:

“Oh well, they have no place else to do it?”

I DOUBT IT.

amarooresident5:07 pm 29 Jul 08

stonedwookie said :

well not everyone can efford all the gear,trailer and property.
the governemnt will let you purchase a dirt bike that you cant even get registered beacuse it doesnt meet australia standard then they take your money for the GST.
send it to your door n let you look at it but no you cant ride it.
unless your rich enuff to own property n a trailer most of these riders are young kids n can barely efford dirt bikes.so why even sell dirt bikes you cant register to people who dont own property?
beacuase the government want there cut but dont wanna look at the source of the problem.

The government takes your money on the basis that you are going to use the bike lawfully – the same way it takes it cut if you purchased a car, roadbike, gun or anything else. Use it it lawfully and no one is going to bother you. Pretty simple really.

On another note I saw the funniest police chase last summer in my street – I could hear the sirens gradually getting closer when all of a sudden a kid flys past on a monkey bike closely followed by a police truck. The look on the kids face was priceless. Bit of a shock on a quiet afternoon in the ‘burbs.

Must have been doing about 35-40kmh. Dunno if they caught him though, I think he was able to duck up one of the footpaths and disappear.

We used to “race” our 80cc bikes in our backyard in Evatt. After years of footy and cricket there wasn’t much turf left anyway so one school hols we decided to mark out a bit of a course and have a go. The neighbours called the police but they admitted that we were not breaking any laws and were quite impressed to see how we had developed the “track”.

We never really got out of first gear – but the proximity of fences and the clothesline, and the other bikes when 4 of us were racing was quite a thrill.

Having said that anyone riding where any kid or dog could suddenly appear is asking for trouble. Why buy the bike if you aren’t going to use it responsibly?

TheMal said :

Roadrage77 said :

Show me a trial-bike rider who isn’t white trash and I’ll show you my 14 inch member. If a bomb went off at the next Krusty Demons of Dirt show would the world be poorer for it?

I ride every weekend. I have post graduate qualifications, own my own house, run a business and took home over $200K last year. My home is tidy, quiet and neat. I don’t drink pre-mixed drinks and drive a nice sensible Magna.

Now, when can I see that member?

Zip…. THUD!

Roadrage77 said :

Show me a trial-bike rider who isn’t white trash and I’ll show you my 14 inch member. If a bomb went off at the next Krusty Demons of Dirt show would the world be poorer for it?

I ride every weekend. I have post graduate qualifications, own my own house, run a business and took home over $200K last year. My home is tidy, quiet and neat. I don’t drink pre-mixed drinks and drive a nice sensible Magna.

Now, when can I see that member?

stonedwookie said :

the governemnt the government

Sorry Stonedwookie for editing your post – but stop blaming the gubmint – take some responsibility. You pay the fare you take the ride!

Show me a trial-bike rider who isn’t white trash and I’ll show you my 14 inch member. If a bomb went off at the next Krusty Demons of Dirt show would the world be poorer for it?

I have seen them in evatt.
Battleaxe block, which mean our front yard faces the creek. We have had many bikes come tearing through our yard whilst they were hooning round in the paddock area near the creek.
Actually, we have pretty much given up on the grass in the front yard beacuse it just keeps getting torn up.

Clown Killer12:01 pm 29 Jul 08

A well implemented police crackdown will do wonders.

A couple of years ago the NSW police just over the border had a nice crackdown on illegal trail bike riding in the Mt Jerrabomberra reserve. Seems most of the illegal riding was being done between 3.30 and 5.00pm on weekdays and between 9.30am and 5.00pm during school holidays. Various information campaigns run by council just didn’t seem to be getting through to the riders or their parents.

I understand that the fines for riding an unregistered and un-roadworthy trail bike, riding without a license, riding under the illegal age to hold a license, riding on land contrary to prohibition of trail bike riding added up to a fair bit. Some young riders even chose to add refusing to obey lawful instruction and avoiding arrest to their list of offences as well.

The problem was solved after only a few were caught – seemed word traveled through the community pretty quick.

49cc or smaller motorcycles don’t requre registration, but the rider must wear a helmet.

Well stonedwookie, perhaps they need to look into another hobby hey? I’d love for my hobby to be flying my private jet around the world. I can’t afford that, so I don’t do it. Same applies for motorbike riders. Can’t afford to do it properly, legally & safely? Don’t do it.

If you can’t afford the trailer, you can’t afford the dirt bike. Using your logic, stonedwookie, people who buy a boat but can’t afford a trailer should be able to cruise down Sullivan’s creek to get to Lake Burley Griffin.

stonedwookie10:43 am 29 Jul 08

also what do you think a illegal dirt bike rider is gonna do?
do you think high speed police chases on motor cycles on foot paths will be safe?

stonedwookie10:39 am 29 Jul 08

well not everyone can efford all the gear,trailer and property.
the governemnt will let you purchase a dirt bike that you cant even get registered beacuse it doesnt meet australia standard then they take your money for the GST.
send it to your door n let you look at it but no you cant ride it.
unless your rich enuff to own property n a trailer most of these riders are young kids n can barely efford dirt bikes.so why even sell dirt bikes you cant register to people who dont own property?
beacuase the government want there cut but dont wanna look at the source of the problem.

Woody Mann-Caruso9:55 am 29 Jul 08

See them around Fadden / Gowrie all the time, epsecially on Sunday afternoons. They’re riding at speed on pedestrian / cycle paths frequented by people walking with kids, dogs and prams. Have to resist the urge to sit behind a tree, ready to pull the wire tight…

where are they meant to ride

The fact that you’re a social retard with a penchance for illegal motorsports doesn’t create an obligation for society to indulge you with infrastructure. Go buy a private property someplace over the border and ride to your heart’s content.

Tuppence to any AFP who want to drop around the back of Kambah by the Parkway Church (and the nearby suburban roads) between about 10am – 2pm Saturdays, or the paths around Mt Taylor\Mt Arawang most weekends, and nab a bunch of dirt and pocketbiking fools.

vg said :

Or they could ride a pushbike, I know a really good bike shop Mal 😉

Not that Mal 🙂 (I get that a lot)

Or they could ride a pushbike, I know a really good bike shop Mal 😉

Interesting post.

I ride trail bikes every weekend and I can assure you that this would be supported overwhelmingly by most off-road riders. Unregistered bikes are the bane of all of us. This is due to the fact that they have no third party personal insurance. In other words, if one of these dolts hits you – you’re stuffed.

The same guys who ride unregistered are often (not always, but often) the most irresponsible riders generally. Canberra is surrounded by a wealth (compared to other cities) of areas to ride and these guys threaten this for us all.

I understand the problems with legal areas for kids – and I sympathise but that does not mean we should just turn a blind eye to the problem. This is akin to saying that since there’s no dragway it;s OK if I just race straight down Northbourne. Suburban areas are no place for dirt bikes – it’s all shits and giggles till someone gets hurt.

If you want your kids to ride, buy them a decent MX bike, buy them decent protective gear and join an MX club. If that doesn’t work for you, head off to one of the many riding parks within a couple of hours of Canberra (Lochmaree for example). Sure, it’s not perfect but it’s better than nothing – which is exactly what we’ll be left with if the situation continues as is.

Mal

bite me said :

Do you want the dirt bike riders out of suburbs and public spaces?

Give us a sensible option that caters for all off road rider skill levels. Simple.

Give you a sensible option? In opposition to the sensible practice that you morons partake in now? Here is a bit of sensibility; wear a helmet, wear accredited protective gear, stay away from pedestrians and if it is not registered, only ride it on private property.

I only hope and pray that you don’t kill someone due to your stupidity.

> What’s the big deal? They closed the bike track out at Stromlo so where are they meant to ride?

The big deal is when you’re enjoying a quiet arvo in the park with your 10yo playing footy or cricket & some MORONS on motorbikes tear through, ripping up grass, trying to intimidate TEN YEAR OLD CHILDREN. The big deal is when those same 10 year old children are riding their pushbikes to the shop & get knocked off by those same MORONS on motorbikes roaring down the footpath expecting everyone else to get out of their way.

We live in Duffy & (particularly in summer) see our share of these MORONS riding around as if they own the place. I’ve called the police on them several times…my next option is to start throwing rocks at them. I only just missed the (unprotected by a helmet) head of one of these MORONS with a cricket ball last time they decided doing burnouts on the local oval was a great idea.

My own son rides a motorbike….sensibly, with appropriate safety gear on a private property (with permission!). I’ve NO sympathy for these idiots…none.

Matto said :

What’s the big deal? They closed the bike track out at Stromlo so where are they meant to ride? I must admit riding on footpaths is not the smartest idea, but with all the greenspace, they’re not doing anyone any real harm. Big deal, every now and then you hear them come by, it’s not like they’re on your font lawn tearing it up. Don’t forget, we were all teenagers at one point in our life. What would you rather them sitting in front of the idiot box playing video games, stuffing junk food into their mouth while becoming socially retarded? What do you get out of dobbing these people in? Do the cops give you a great big medal to pin on your chest? I hope so, what’s the point? Why inflict your miserable life on some one else? Don’t let the 5 seconds of noise ruin your day. They’re also enjoying the outdoors, they just might be doing it a little bit faster and noisier than you.

From your post you don’t need any assistance from the idiot box to become ‘socially retarded’.

I will take a dump in your bedroom. Don’t let the 10 secs of smell ruin your day. Mind you my turd won’t be unregistered, have a chance of running you over or, indeed, break the law as it stands

Do you want the dirt bike riders out of suburbs and public spaces?

Give us a sensible option that caters for all off road rider skill levels. Simple.

What’s the big deal?

Nothing if the riders aren’t morons about it, sadly most I’ve seen are. Out past Gungahlin most trail bikes seem to be on a personal challenge to see how many acres of grass they can tear up – that is, spending hours stopping then spinning the back wheel as they take off just to repeat the process! Occasional noise from someone riding past in the grasslands is tolerable even if not entirely pleasant however the racket from this full-throttle stupidity gets annoying really fast. Also trail bike riders have cut fences, and they along with the monkey bikes tear along the bicycle/foot paths in a dog off-lead area. (also worth noting is that police/government/land owners have a lot more at stake than these issues, like public liability)

Yes, i was a teenager, and yes I rode bikes. Even in a bordering public reserve – but on the roads only in the reserve, keeping a big distance from the very occasional other people there. Any silliness was on *our own* private properties, in areas we set aside for it.

Matto said :

What’s the big deal? They closed the bike track out at Stromlo so where are they meant to ride? I must admit riding on footpaths is not the smartest idea, but with all the greenspace, they’re not doing anyone any real harm. Big deal, every now and then you hear them come by, it’s not like they’re on your font lawn tearing it up. Don’t forget, we were all teenagers at one point in our life. What would you rather them sitting in front of the idiot box playing video games, stuffing junk food into their mouth while becoming socially retarded? What do you get out of dobbing these people in? Do the cops give you a great big medal to pin on your chest? I hope so, what’s the point? Why inflict your miserable life on some one else? Don’t let the 5 seconds of noise ruin your day. They’re also enjoying the outdoors, they just might be doing it a little bit faster and noisier than you.

Matto said :

What’s the big deal? They closed the bike track out at Stromlo so where are they meant to ride? I must admit riding on footpaths is not the smartest idea, but with all the greenspace, they’re not doing anyone any real harm. Big deal, every now and then you hear them come by, it’s not like they’re on your font lawn tearing it up. Don’t forget, we were all teenagers at one point in our life. What would you rather them sitting in front of the idiot box playing video games, stuffing junk food into their mouth while becoming socially retarded? What do you get out of dobbing these people in? Do the cops give you a great big medal to pin on your chest? I hope so, what’s the point? Why inflict your miserable life on some one else? Don’t let the 5 seconds of noise ruin your day. They’re also enjoying the outdoors, they just might be doing it a little bit faster and noisier than you.

Matto said :

What’s the big deal? They closed the bike track out at Stromlo so where are they meant to ride? I must admit riding on footpaths is not the smartest idea, but with all the greenspace, they’re not doing anyone any real harm. Big deal, every now and then you hear them come by, it’s not like they’re on your font lawn tearing it up. Don’t forget, we were all teenagers at one point in our life. What would you rather them sitting in front of the idiot box playing video games, stuffing junk food into their mouth while becoming socially retarded? What do you get out of dobbing these people in? Do the cops give you a great big medal to pin on your chest? I hope so, what’s the point? Why inflict your miserable life on some one else? Don’t let the 5 seconds of noise ruin your day. They’re also enjoying the outdoors, they just might be doing it a little bit faster and noisier than you.

Very valid point, it’s good to see youngsters doing active stuff, unless the noise is really of unacceptable level. really though it comes back to the same old argument, ‘where can they legally go?” sames as drag racing, burn-outs etc. What is needed is one big motor sports centre ouit in the sticks to incorporate all the above needs, probably put in a 4WD track too. So who pays for this I hear you all cry? User or tax payer? like I said, same old argument.

captainwhorebags7:52 am 29 Jul 08

babyface: I see them all the time on the firetrails that run around the hills in Lanyon Valley. Particularly up along the top of Banks.

Considering that there is a lot of blind corners, and it’s a favourite dog walking spot, I’d be glad to see the hoons nicked. If the cops can catch the prick that does it at 3am every few weeks, I’d be happier still.

A proper trail bike riding area for legitimate users would possibly go a long way to helping the situation. Kind of like the off leash dog areas.

Matto said :

Big deal, every now and then you hear them come by, it’s not like they’re on your font lawn tearing it up.

No they’re actually within about 50 meters of our backyard Matto. I’d like to be able to let my kids play out in that open space. It’s one of the reasons I brought my property here. Perhaps you can supply your address and all the trail bikers can come & play at your house?

Matto said :

What would you rather them sitting in front of the idiot box playing video games, stuffing junk food into their mouth while becoming socially retarded?

Since you ask, yes, yes I would.

What’s the big deal? They closed the bike track out at Stromlo so where are they meant to ride? I must admit riding on footpaths is not the smartest idea, but with all the greenspace, they’re not doing anyone any real harm. Big deal, every now and then you hear them come by, it’s not like they’re on your font lawn tearing it up. Don’t forget, we were all teenagers at one point in our life. What would you rather them sitting in front of the idiot box playing video games, stuffing junk food into their mouth while becoming socially retarded? What do you get out of dobbing these people in? Do the cops give you a great big medal to pin on your chest? I hope so, what’s the point? Why inflict your miserable life on some one else? Don’t let the 5 seconds of noise ruin your day. They’re also enjoying the outdoors, they just might be doing it a little bit faster and noisier than you.

Ah RG thats why they no longer roar up the pathway out the front of my place up to Mt Rogers. Nice.

babyface said :

where are you seeing trail bike used illegally in the suburbs?

I don’t know about Serendipity’s problem trail bikers but my area of Giralang/Kaleen, between Spigl Street & Barton Hwy has a dozen or so ever week, especially in summer.

Melba had a bit of a problem around the school and the shops with a bunch of trail bike riders. Rattling around late at night and during the day, screaming down pathways and such. More than once they almost collected me pushing the pram through the park off Henslowe place.

But one night they were pissed and rowdy and had an altercation with the neighbours. Big mistake, it was the scope the police needed to attend and pin the whole list on them.

Been quiet ever since.

In other news… keep off the grass, ya punk kids.

bet they don’t target the Harley hoons who hang at All Bar Nun or Old Canberra Inn.

Does it really matter if it’s a 2 stroke dirt bike or not? By trail bike I think they mean a motor bike ridden off road. Doesn’t matter if it’s some idiot riding his prize Ducati in the mud or a peewee 50.

If you live in a suburb on the edge of canberra you see trail bikes in the suburbs all the time – especially just after it’s been raining.

where are you seeing trail bike used illegally in the suburbs? i’ve never encountered this. also by trail bike you mean usually 2 stroke dirt bike yeah? just want to make sure i’m interpreting this right

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