Look out for trail bikes near Tallarook

Campers and drivers are being reminded to drive slowly and share the forest safely this weekend, as hundreds of trail bike riders descend on Tallarook and Mount Disappointment State Forests for the Open Roads Rally.

The Conservation Regulator is prompting visitors to the Broadford area to exercise caution as more than 350 adventure bike and trail bike riders are predicted to participate in the social riding event from 1-4 March.

Forest roads will remain open to the public during the event and other vehicles will likely encounter rally riders. All road users are urged to be mindful of cars and trail bikes in the area, to stick to their lane, and to be especially careful on corners.

With event organisers encouraging participation from a variety of skill levels, ranging from beginner to advanced, all riders are encouraged to familiarise themselves with vehicle use rules on Victorian public land.

Trail bike riders must be correctly licenced, have vehicles registered, obey road rules and speed limits, and ride only on formed roads and tracks in forests to protect the environment and other visitors.

Many rally attendees are also expected to camp locally in Tallarook State Forest and must follow all other public land rules, including campfires and littering.

Campers are responsible for building and maintaining safe campfires, including using a designated fireplace or 30cm deep trench, keeping all firewood under one metre long and never leaving it unattended, even for a short while. Campfires must be extinguished with water, not soil, and should be cool to the touch before leaving.

Visitors are also responsible for cleaning up after themselves and all rubbish must be collected and taken home; not dumped or burned.

Conservation Regulator Authorised Officers will be patrolling the area, and anyone caught illegally taking their vehicle off-road, littering, or breaching campfire safety rules can face fines ranging from $240 to $19,231.

Anyone who witnesses illegal vehicle use, littering, or unsafe or unattended campfires on public land is encouraged to report what they know to 136 186. Bushfires should be reported to 000.

For more information about rules in state forests, including campfires and vehicle use, visit: https://www.vic.gov.au/rules-in-state-forests

Whether riding in the rally event, camping nearby or just visiting the area this weekend, it’s important for everyone to be cautious on roads and follow all public land rules to protect the environment and share the forest safely with others.