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 Online Off Road Tours aim to conduct their tours and events in an ecologically
sensible and sustainable manner. We believe that looking after the environment
is a fundamental action we must take to ensure that we can enjoy riding our
motorcycles into the future. We accept that dirt bikes will have some
unavoidable negative impact upon our world, however we undertake to minimize the
harm we cause to both the environment and our communities. In some circles,
including some of our forest managers, off road motorcycles are seen in a
negative light. Problems with undue noise, apparent track and land damage and
errant rider behaviour are issues that together we must address if we are to be
able to continue to have access to the fantastic network of public trails that
exist in Victoria. If we do not take steps together to modify our behaviour in
line with government expectations, it is more than likely that we will find our
access to many areas prohibited, as has already occurred in other states. Honda,
the worlds’ largest engine manufacturer, has a strong environmental philosophy
and is setting the standard for other manufacturers with its stance. An example
is their commitment to produce only cleaner burning four stroke motors, as
opposed to two strokes. However it is up to you and I to take ownership of our
sport, embrace the idea of harm minimisation and make necessary changes in our
behaviour to ensure our sport can continue into the future. I don’t know about
you, but I’d rather ride a quieter bike in a sensible manner in the high
country, than not ride at all. |
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We accept that noise is one of the biggest issues we face.
Excessive noise is a common complaint from other park and forest users. With our
helmets on, it’s hard to appreciate just how offensively noisy some of our bikes
are.
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To assist to ensure that motorcycles used on our tours meet noise and safety
requirements and that riders are aware of their legal responsibilities,
registration and licensing is mandatory.
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Guides will endeavour to ride in as safe and responsible a manner as possible at
all times and will encourage customers to do the same. The public’s perception
of our behaviour stems from what they see and we will endeavour to ride as
sensibly and quietly as possible in areas containing other members of the
community. Areas where extra care will be encouraged include but is not limited
to: roads used for transport between tracks, intersections, built up areas,
camping areas, popular tourist destinations, rivers and streams, environmentally
sensitive areas (such as extremely soft or damp areas susceptible to extreme
damage from vehicles) and private property being used with owner permission. Off
bike behaviour will also be encouraged to be in line with general community
expectations.
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Wildlife of all types should be respected at all times. We often come across
animals such as kangaroos, wallabies and emus. Efforts should be made to avoid
them and where possible give them time to leave the area to avoid conflict.
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We will attempt to minimize the harm to vegetation as a result of our riding and
will endeavour to avoid sensitive areas.
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Operators will ensure that no rubbish is left in our parks or forests as a
result of our attendance. Bins will be provided by the back up crew, who will
dispose of the contents in a proper manner. |
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Smokers are encouraged to carry a small sealed ashtray to remove their butts
from the forest. All smokers will be provided with same free of charge. |
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Great care to avoid spillages will be taken at fuel stops.
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Fuel will only be carried in approved containers
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Smoking in the vicinity of fuel stops will be not tolerated
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Operators will provide a container to house any waste oils from bikes
(absolute necessity for oil removal only)
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Operators undertake to recycle all waste oils and recommend others do so
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I have included this topic, not because alcohol directly impacts upon the
environment in our sport, but because its improper use has the potential to
cause negative community perceptions of motorcyclists in general.
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Alcohol consumption during a tour will not be tolerated,
other than at the end of the days riding.
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Excessive alcohol consumption will not be encouraged
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Whilst many riders enjoy the use of tight ‘single trail’, its use is strongly
discouraged by our Park and Forest managers. Their main concerns relate to
single trail carved from virgin bush, where no vehicle track previously existed.
This includes the use of existing walking or animal tracks. Many of these
illegal trails are in places where they are highly visible to the large numbers
of persons that visit the area. Some riders have even been accused of removing
and damaging barriers placed by authorities in such areas. Such behaviour will
not help the future of our sport.
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Tour preparation guides issued to customers and riders’ briefings immediately
prior to tours will discuss the above guidelines. Those seeking more information
can visit the Parks Victoria Website at
www.parkweb.vic.au and also
www.ecotourism.org.au |
Pro Active Programs
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Online Offroad Tours will engage in programs to further our sport. This will
include the education of youth in schools and other programs such as tree
planting events to offset carbon emissions, in partnership with forest managers,
local shires, schools and the motorcycling industry. For further information
regarding these programs, contact Rod on 0407271548 or
rod@onlineoffroadtours.com.au. |
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