[talk-au] Paths in Illawarra Conservation Lands

[Warin]

On 13/09/19 10:38, Phil Wyatt wrote:
> You may also need to check the legislation for NSW
>
> Often bicycles are classified as 'vehicles' under the legislation and are only allowed on designated vehicular roads, purpose built mountain bike trails or designated shared trails which would normally be signposted.
>
> It will also likely differ between states.

Think you will find all Australian States and Territories classify bicycles as 'vehicles' (including Ebikes).
This gives them the ability to police things like stop lights etc on legal public roads.
Being a 'vehicle' does not say anything about areas not part of the 'vehicle' legislation,
that comes from other legislation and usually (? allways) applies to the person.


My local NP has a sign that says bicycles are allowed to use the management tracks (4WD) but not walking paths.
One walking path had specific signs against bicycles.. and some saying cameras were in use.
Later a track closed sign was put up, but only on the higher entry point.
There is still some evidence of bicycle use.
And I still walk up the hill - no signage to say otherwise unless you look backwards at the top.

I am yet to see any signs about 'off track walking'.
There are people who walk off tracks for along distances.
I do know of one area where this is encouraged so as to spread the impact and discourage those with less knowledge.

>
> Cheers - Phil
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Frederik Ramm [mailto:frederik at remote.org]
> Sent: Thursday, 12 September 2019 6:04 PM
> To: talk-au at openstreetmap.org
> Subject: Re: [talk-au] Paths in Illawarra Conservation Lands
>
> Hi,
>
> On 12.09.19 09:29, Frederik Ramm wrote:
>> "Come for a serious bushwalk or a casual jog, visit a lookout in the
>> winter for whale watching off the coast, or break out the binoculars for
>> birdwatching. There are cycling opportunities on fire trails and plenty
>> of chances to cool off in summer by retreating to a rainforest track."
> Specifically for the Lower Escarpment Trail, I found this co-authored by
> the NPWS office:
>
> http://www.visitwollongong.com.au/uploads/308/illawarra-escarpment-trails-pdf.pdf
>
> "Lower Escarpment trail ... This unsealed vehicle-width trail traverses
> the lush middle slopes between Tarrawanna (Hawthorn Street) and Bulli
> (Bulli Pass) ...  Ideal for: fit walkers, joggers and cyclists."
>
> Which clearly seems to indicate that cycling is allowed - would that
> include mountain biking? Unsure, this mountain biker web site
>
> https://www.trailforks.com/route/lower-escarpment-trail/
>
> says:
>
> "Unlicensed motorbikes have resulted in a number of head on accidents
> with riders. ... This route is Unsanctioned, Ride at your own Risk!"
>
> Bye
> Frederik
>