Mobile phone footage of a person riding a trail bike at Melba Oval last Saturday has prompted a reminder from ACT Policing that it’s against the law to ride trail bikes and quadbikes on public parkland.
The footage was submitted to police by a member of the public. Taken at Melba Oval on Alfred Hill Drive about 12.20pm on Saturday 13 June, it shows a person riding a trail bike on the oval and adjacent parkland. It also appears to show a young child riding a quadbike unassisted and without a helmet.
Upon viewing the footage, Officer in Charge of Road Policing, Detective Inspector Marcus Boorman said he was shocked by the brazen nature of the offending.
“The people depicted in this vision might think that what they’re doing is merely harmless fun, but they’re actually breaking the law,” Detective Inspector Boorman said.
“Parents shouldn’t need to teach their kids to watch out for vehicles when they’re playing in a park or a green space, which are there to be enjoyed by the entire community, not to be turned into your own personal trail bike track.
“A trail bike can be ridden on public roads if it is properly registered and being operated by a licensed rider. All other riding of trail bikes and quad bikes on public land in the ACT is prohibited.
“ACT Policing is currently conducting specialised training on police trail bikes, which will enhance police capability to undertake patrols of parks and green spaces, and assist in apprehending offenders like this.”
If you are able to identify the people depicted in the vision, contact Crime Stoppers, quoting reference 6552963.
If you have information about other incidents of illegal operation of trail and quad bikes, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously.
Further information about off road motorcycle riding in the ACT can be found on the ACT Government website.
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