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This was published 7 years ago
Trail bikes a successful new tool for ACT Police in the bush capital's parks
By Finbar O'Mallon
ACT police have officially unveiled new trail bikes to patrol the territory's more rugged terrain to help target anti-social and criminal behaviour in Canberra's parks and greenbelts.
ACT Police's Acting Superintendent of Traffic Operations Susan Ball said eight officers had been trained to use the four new trail bikes as part of a trial started in April.
(L-R) Constables Trevor Gay and Scott Burrows with the ACT Police trail bikes used to patrol ACT National Parks.Credit: Rohan Thomson
"The main role of the ACT Policing trail bikes is to target anti-social and dangerous driving behaviours, but also to deter theft, vandalism, dumping of illegal vehicles and the misuse of our parks and reserves," Ms Ball said.
She said the trial had been a success and police had seen a noticeable drop in such behaviour.
The bikes would improve cooperation with ACT Parks and Conservation, including helping to spot environmental problems to rangers.
ACT Parks and Conservation's Area Manager Tim Chaseling said the bikes would help police and members of the public.
He said rangers expected a busy summer, but added four wheel drivers and trail bike riders were a significant issue in the ACT.
"Particularly when it's in the same environment as bushwalkers and picnickers," Mr Chaseling said.
Both Mr Chaseling and Ms Ball urged visitors to drive slow, drive to the conditions, respect the parks and other visitors.
"The bush capital is looking fantastic at the moment and there are a lot of people out and about," Mr Chaseling said.
The bikes are part of ACT Police's high visibility strategy used on Canberra's roads.Credit: Rohan Thomson
"That's the great role of what we do, is we're able to get out and see [that] the community are out there enjoying the parklands and the reserves," Ms Ball said.
Ms Ball said the most common reason for stops out in Canberra's parks were unlicensed drivers and riders or unregistered vehicles.
Mr Chaseling reminded parks visitors to take care if they planned to go trekking these holidays by planning ahead.
"Before going out just take a little bit of time, do a little bit of research, understand where you're going, where you can go and also then letting people know where you are going," Mr Chaseling said.