Trail bike riding
Motorbike riding is a popular leisure activity, both on and off road, but there are strict rules governing where they can be ridden.
Trail bikes in Council parks and natural areas
Riding trail bikes is prohibited in all Council parks and natural areas for a number of reasons. Riding trail bikes in Council parks and natural areas can result in issues like:
- Disturbing wildlife and people with excess noise;
- Creating dust issues;
- Increasing bushfire risk from contact with hot engine and exhaust components;
- Causing erosion, damage to soil and vegetation and bringing in weed seeds on tyres;
- Endangering the safety of residents and visitors using these public spaces;
- Endangering riders by riding in areas not designed for use by trail bikes;
- Increasing park maintenance costs to repair damage to trails and infrastructure.
Law and enforcement
The enforcement of offences relating to motorbikes in Council parks and natural areas may be shared between Council and the Queensland Police Service (Police). The regulation of unlicensed drivers, unregistered and unroadworthy motorbikes, as well as driver behaviour is a Police responsibility.
Under the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000, Police have the power to apprehend, arrest and issue penalties to persons found riding motorbikes illegally. Furthermore, Police have the power to confiscate and impound vehicles that are ridden in a way that makes unnecessary noise or smoke. Permanent confiscation of motorbikes may apply for repeat offenders. Parents or Legal Guardians of minors may also be liable for penalties and costs for releasing impounded vehicles.
Council proactively patrol parks and natural areas in conjunction with the Police. Council officers are also authorised to issue on-the-spot fines to offenders undertaking prohibited activities in Council parks and natural areas.
Report illegal motorbike activity
Council encourages the community to report incidences of dangerous and noisy trail bikes in parks and natural areas directly to the police:
- Police Link 131 444 for non-urgent issues
(or 07 3055 6206 for interstate / mobile callers) - Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 (anonymous).
- Triple Zero (000) - emergencies only
When reporting please provide the operator with as much information as possible including location, date/time, motorbike colour/registration, rider description/helmet colour, and where they may have originated from.
Council also uses reports of trail bike riding to carry out targeted responses to unlawful trail biking in Council reserves.
You can report illegal trail bike riding in Council parks and natural areas online:
Report it: Trail Bike riding in Council parks
Where to ride
The Queensland State Government publishes a list of parks and forests where trail bikes permitted as well as providing information about where to ride trail bikes.
The Queensland Moto Park is the first facility of its kind in Australia. The park was opened after the Council of Mayors (SEQ) recognised that a dedicated trail bike facility would protect the environment and reduce trail bike-related deaths and injuries.
You can contact Council on 07 3403 8888 for further information about trail bike riding facilities.