South Australia Off Road Motorcycling Strategy Finally Released
Announcement posted by Revolution Bike Finance 17 Jan 2013
Revolution Bike Finance, motorcycle loan provider, applauds plan but cautions riders: “Let’s see how it looks in action.”
On 14th December 2012, Motorcycling South Australia (MSA) released the South Australian Off Road Motorcycle Strategy. The document has been in the works for more than a year, and was created to address concerns from many associated with off road motorcycling, including riders, the motorcycle industry, the government, and conservation groups.
The strategy is the result of study that was commissioned in 2011, by the MSA, in conjunction with the South Australian Murray Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board, the Motor Trades Association (MTA), and the South Australian Government (Office of Recreation and Sport). The study solicited the input of riders, environmental interests, representatives of the motorcycle industry, and local councils.
Riders were mostly concerned with a shortage of places to legally and safely ride off road bikes. They were also concerned with the rising costs of participation, including safety equipment, club memberships, event fees, and motorcycles. Environmental interests were concerned with noise, damage to vegetation, and erosion. State and local government officials were concerned with liability costs, noise, disruptive behaviour, damage to their land, unauthorised use of public lands, and safety.
With all of these concerns coming from divergent interests, many were doubtful that the group could come up with a plan that pleases everybody. While this one isn’t perfect, many people from all sides are pleasantly surprised at the outcome.
The strategy contains eight key priorities for 2013. The first mentioned is the development and enhancement of riding areas and parks for off road motorcycles. Tailem Bend Motorsport Park and ACUSA Park are also included as separate priorities, indicating that they will be improved first. The strategy also includes identifying places where riders can ride bikes off road and mapping them on the Internet.
Another priority is developing loops and trails on gravel roads for adventure and trail riding, and the study even recommends opening State Forest land to organised trail rides. The strategy also includes rider safety education to foster responsible, safe, and legal riding.
The only strategy that may be met with resistance by riders is a push to minimise the effects of off road riding on the environment. Most riders feel that they are very respectful to the environment, and that their effect on it is negligible at best.
Chris Sims, Director of Revolution Bike Finance, likes how the strategy looks in theory, but is adopting a “wait and see” attitude before pronouncing it a success: “This looks like a very rider-friendly strategy. Considering all of the different sides giving feedback, they appear to have done a great job of making everyone happy.”
Sims continued, “Finding places to legally ride off road has become increasingly difficult the last twenty years. As Australia becomes a more urban country, more and more lands are becoming ‘off limits’ to motorcycle riders. Too many state and national parks now prohibit off road riding, and most of us are crammed into large population centres that offer no opportunity to ride off road.”
Sims concluded, “We really hope that this strategy works for everyone. We have many of the same issues here in WA, and all across Australia, so what’s good for South Australia is good for all of us. We know, though, that there is often a large gap between theory and practice. It looks great on paper; lets’ see it in action.”
Revolution Bike Finance provides fast and affordable motorbike loans across Australia. They specialise in friendly and professional customer service.
Visit their website for more information: http://www.revolutionbikefinance.com.au/about-us/ or call them at 1300 985 499 to talk to one of their bike finance brokers.
The strategy is the result of study that was commissioned in 2011, by the MSA, in conjunction with the South Australian Murray Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board, the Motor Trades Association (MTA), and the South Australian Government (Office of Recreation and Sport). The study solicited the input of riders, environmental interests, representatives of the motorcycle industry, and local councils.
Riders were mostly concerned with a shortage of places to legally and safely ride off road bikes. They were also concerned with the rising costs of participation, including safety equipment, club memberships, event fees, and motorcycles. Environmental interests were concerned with noise, damage to vegetation, and erosion. State and local government officials were concerned with liability costs, noise, disruptive behaviour, damage to their land, unauthorised use of public lands, and safety.
With all of these concerns coming from divergent interests, many were doubtful that the group could come up with a plan that pleases everybody. While this one isn’t perfect, many people from all sides are pleasantly surprised at the outcome.
The strategy contains eight key priorities for 2013. The first mentioned is the development and enhancement of riding areas and parks for off road motorcycles. Tailem Bend Motorsport Park and ACUSA Park are also included as separate priorities, indicating that they will be improved first. The strategy also includes identifying places where riders can ride bikes off road and mapping them on the Internet.
Another priority is developing loops and trails on gravel roads for adventure and trail riding, and the study even recommends opening State Forest land to organised trail rides. The strategy also includes rider safety education to foster responsible, safe, and legal riding.
The only strategy that may be met with resistance by riders is a push to minimise the effects of off road riding on the environment. Most riders feel that they are very respectful to the environment, and that their effect on it is negligible at best.
Chris Sims, Director of Revolution Bike Finance, likes how the strategy looks in theory, but is adopting a “wait and see” attitude before pronouncing it a success: “This looks like a very rider-friendly strategy. Considering all of the different sides giving feedback, they appear to have done a great job of making everyone happy.”
Sims continued, “Finding places to legally ride off road has become increasingly difficult the last twenty years. As Australia becomes a more urban country, more and more lands are becoming ‘off limits’ to motorcycle riders. Too many state and national parks now prohibit off road riding, and most of us are crammed into large population centres that offer no opportunity to ride off road.”
Sims concluded, “We really hope that this strategy works for everyone. We have many of the same issues here in WA, and all across Australia, so what’s good for South Australia is good for all of us. We know, though, that there is often a large gap between theory and practice. It looks great on paper; lets’ see it in action.”
Revolution Bike Finance provides fast and affordable motorbike loans across Australia. They specialise in friendly and professional customer service.
Visit their website for more information: http://www.revolutionbikefinance.com.au/about-us/ or call them at 1300 985 499 to talk to one of their bike finance brokers.