Bothersome bikes tear up Bothamley
Complaints to police and Porirua City Council about motorbikes zooming around Bothamley Park are on the increase.
The council’s parks manager, Olivia Dovey, said paths in the park were designed for walking and cycling, not motorbikes and trailbikes.
‘‘This year we’ve had increasing contact from the public, telling us they are concerned about motorbike use on parks,’’ she said.
‘‘ We have been working through a range of solutions that achieve a balance between making it hard for motorbikes, but allowing other ‘ wheeled’ users like wheelchairs, pushchairs and mountain bikes, to access parks, too.’’
Dovey said the recent spike had been among off-road trail bikes and small motorbikes. There had been reports of groups riding together and there were likely to be repeat offenders, she said.
The biggest danger was to people, Dovey said.
‘‘We think it’s regular behaviour by a small number of individuals. The narrow winding tracks are not designed for motorised vehicles speeding along.
‘‘The park is used by parents with little ones, elderly folk, people going for a walk – it’s a real concern that someone might get hurt.’’
Signage is clear at Bothamley Park entrances that motorcycles are not allowed on the grounds.
Barriers at the entrances were not an option because it would hinder access for prams and wheelchairs, Dovey said, but chicanes had been put at Bellona St and Cannons Creek park.
Dovey said if anyone knew who might be using a motorbike on Bothamley Park, or saw someone riding one on the park, should call police. They should note the registration number if possible, she said.
If riders are caught, the council or police and impound motorcycles, and the police can prosecute for creating a menace, damage caused and dangerous driving.