Motorbike Users Should Have Fun&

but respect the areas they’re visiting and the personal safety of other river area users at this busy time of year. That’s the message from Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s Engineering Officer for Rivers, Vince Byrne.

This comment comes after recent stopbank damage and reckless behaviour shown by some motorbike riders.

Riders have ignored signage and fences to ride in prohibited areas. This has the potential to endanger walkers, cyclists and horse riders legitimately using the network of trails.

“No vehicle is allowed on the stopbanks except on the tracks that cross to the river access points. These are our flood defences for the Hawke’s Bay region,” said Vince.

Offenders caught driving vehicles in prohibited areas can be issued trespass notices and fined.

The Regional Council created two recreational areas for motorbike and quadbike riders. These are located upstream of Chesterhope Bridge, Pakowhai on the true right bank of the Ngaruroro River and downstream of the Meeanee Expressway Bridge at Guppy Road on the true left bank of the Tutaekuri River.

Here are some tips from Vince to help maintain our recreational areas:

· Show courtesy to other recreational users – everyone wants to enjoy summer

· Take your rubbish home with you or use the bins provided

· Only use the barbecues provided and take care when it's very dry

· Look after trees, gates, fences, tables and barbecues

· Camping is not permitted

· Keep vehicles to designated tracks when crossing stop banks

· Report any damage, dumping or burning of car bodies to Police

· Keep clear of stock - some river side areas are leased for grazing