Funding sought to improve trail tracks
Trail bike riders are being encouraged to contribute to the development of a worldleading pilot project to improve safety in the Neerim East state forest.
In the five years to 2015, 33 serious injury crashes have been recorded in the Neerim East state forest.
Almost half of all motorcycle crashes in Baw Baw Shire occur on forest roads.
In an attempt to improve safety, VicRoads and the Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) will investigate options to design a safer track network in the Neerim East forest area.
The state government has provided $109,000 for the pilot project, which will include public and rider surveys.
Options include repairing or redesigning current tracks, creating new dedicated trail bike tracks, installing signposts and markers, and creating emergency service access points.
“Trail bike riders use this forest frequently and have an extensive knowledge of its track network,” VicRoads planning manager Pas Monacella said.
“We need to know about their experiences, issues and preferences so that we can develop the right safety solution that will reduce the crash risk while continuing to offer the challenging elements trail bike riders seek.”
Trail bike trauma has become a significant road safety concern in Gippsland where one quarter of all motorcycle deaths and serious injuries occurs off-road.
Neerim East is the region’s most popular destination for trail bike riding because of its close proximity to Melbourne.
The Neerim East trail bike network includes 30 kilometres of formal tracks shared by all forest user and 350 kilometres of informal tracks carved out by trail riders.
Crash data shows most trail bike crashes are single vehicle, run-off-road crashed caused by track condition.
Authorities said this suggests a scenario where trail bike riders may run off the road as a result of hitting or attempting to avoid hazards such as fallen branches, tree roots, rocks and holes.
Authorities believe crashes on forest roads and tracks are under and unreliably reported.
Mr Monacella said the number of trail bike riders suffering serious injuries following crashes on forest roads in Gippsland was increasing.
“To achieve our vision of zero deaths and serious injuries on our roads we must address this concerning trend on forest roads,” Mr Monacella said.
“There have been 33 serious injury crashes in the Neerim East State Forest between 2010 and 2015.
“Neerim East has become a key destination for locals and visitors wanting to experience trail riding in Gippsland’s forests, making it the ideal location to plan an innovative, world-leading trial project.”
VicRoads and DELWP’s recommended design will be submitted to state government for funding consideration.
The project aims to improve safety for trail riders, maintain the physical challenge trail riders seek and protect the environment for other users and for the future.
Riders, forest users and the community can provide feedback on the plans and route design options through online surveys and an interactive map of the forest. Consultation will close on April.
For more information and to provide your feedback visit https://engage.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Neerimtrailbikes or email easternengagement@roads.vic.gov.au