By Ann Marie
ILLEGAL trail bike riders in Wyndham and Hobsons Bay will be hit hard by fines, police warn.
The cities share a police unit that patrols reserves and rural areas looking for riders doing the wrong thing.
Senior Constable Mick Hayward, who randomly patrols with Senior Constable Graeme Bernard, said nearly 300 penalties were issued last year.
Riders caught in prohibited places cop a $100 on-the-spot fine in Hobsons Bay, and a $200 fine in Wyndham.
Those who are unlicensed or unregistered will get a fine ranging from $112 to $524, depending on the size of the trail bike.
SenConst Hayward said illegal riding had become a growing concern as the popularity of trail bike riding increases.
“Many people get into the sport but have no idea about where they’re allowed to ride,” he said.
He said walking tracks along the Werribee River and in the Cheetham wetlands were notorious locations for illegal trail bikes.
The wetlands includes a protected bird sanctuary.
“There is no typical profile of illegal riders – they come in all ages, both men and women,” he said.
Besides private property, one of the few legal places for trail bikes is the Laverton motocross reserve on Sayers Rd, he said.
Riders who would like to find out about legal locations for trail-bike riding can contact the Werribee Police traffic management unit on 9742 9405.
