Bike jumps Mornington Peninsula: Push to save home made trails
Home made bike jumps are still being flattened by authorities worried about safety. But a plan is being hatched to allow some to remain.
South East
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Home made bike jumps built during lockdown by bored kids across the Mornington Peninsula should be made safe and allowed to stay, say parents.
A Leader poll asking if kids should be allowed to make their own jumps revealed overwhelming support for D. I. Y bike trails.
Of the 260 votes, only three people were against the practice.
“Let kids be kids,” Matt Grey said.
“At least they won’t be sitting on their backsides in front of a screen.”
Paul Wallace went a step further and suggested that children be given “a few tippers of dirt” to construct their jumps.
Kylie Barr said more home made tracks across Mornington and Mount Martha would be appropriate because children could easily ride to and from the sites.
Not everyone thought it was a good idea.
Frankston councillor Brad Hill joined the debate on social media and said illegal jumps could leave Mornington Peninsula Shire open to legal action if someone was injured on the trails.
The council has allocated $60,000 to develop a Mountain Bike and BMX Strategy and has asked ratepayers and residents for feedback.
Once a draft strategy was complete the community would be consulted on its recommendations.
Meanwhile the council was removing some jumps after other bushland reserve and park users complained.
In a written statement the council said volunteer groups looking after bushland areas had reported damage to flora and fauna from construction and use of the jumps.
“The Shire has a responsibility to ensure all residents are safe and our environment is protected and is undertaking works to achieve this including removal of bike jumps. Please be respectful of Shire staff as they carry out these duties,” the statement says.
“However, we understand there is a wish in the community for these experiences and we are currently assessing whether any of the illegally constructed bike jumps can be made safe and allowed to continue.”