In this issue:

Areas:

Advocacy:

RTRA Blasts Bike Ban Bid
National Greenways Declaration

Minimal Impact:

Wilbinga Cleanup Day Sept 18

Events:

Four Wheel Fun - ATV Social and Racing Club 'Pony Express' 25th September.  Details...

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If you've ever wondered why the RTRA exists you need look no further than the first item of this issue.  When a highly respected doctor proposes a ban on children riding trail and quad bikes it takes a well organised, respected and powerful group to mount a compelling counter-argument that can tackle the issue before it gets out of control.

The RTRA is the voice of riders; willing and able to stand up and fight such proposals.  It's all about strength in numbers.  Give us the numbers and you're giving us the strength!

Maybe now's a good time to see if your membership is up to date and to encourage your riding mates to join up (if they haven't already).

RTRA Blasts Bike Ban Bid

The RTRA was asked for comment prior to the story being published, which enabled us to provide some necessary balance, and we took immediate action to counter this issue once we saw the details.  By 9am posts were up on all the major forums, Facebook and Twitter. By 10am we had spoken to Sue Wicks from Kidsafe and Dr Geelhoed. 24 hours later the reader poll in the West Australian shows a staggering 93% of people opposing the ban!  (The West's online poll will be up for 7 days so you can still register your vote).

The RTRA categorically opposes such an arbitrary measure as an age based ban. Our belief is that even very young children can enjoy the activity safely if they are on appropriate sized and powered vehicles, if they are appropriately supervised and instructed and if they are wearing the appropriate riding gear.

Pinjar Stage 2 Underway

The trails will be opened to riders once the signage is installed - expected to be before the end of September.

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Tracks and Trails Conference

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National Greenways Declaration

An important by-product of our attendance at the conference was our ability to shape the wording of the proposed National Greenways Declaration - a statement of commitment to land for recreation and trails.

At the beginning of the conference the Declaration excluded motorised forms of recreation. We argued successfully to drop this exclusion and the Declaration now makes no such distinction. Given the potential for this document to influence future trails planning (and the associated funding) this was an important win

Wilbinga Cleanup - September 18

Pinjar Volunteers

RTRA Blog

If you haven't yet checked out the new RTRA blog, head over to www.RTRA.asn.au/blog. Each week we will feature a different perspective on trail bike riding in WA. If you would like to make a contribution please contact secretary@RTRA.asn.au.

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