The Healthy Communities Research Centre and Australian Dirt Bike Adventures would like to acknowledge the help and contribution of Steve Pretzel of Trail Bike Management Australia in WA by allowing us to use his survey which we modified to suit Queensland Riders and to acquire some additional information.
Additional analysis not included in the Summary of Results revealed that the following are the biggest concerns of riders (1,522 riders answered this question)
| 1 | Lack of designated areas | 98% |
| 2 | Irresponsible riders | 97% |
| 3 | Trails being closed | 97% |
| 4 | Safety | 92% |
| 5 | Lack of facilities for kids | 90% |
| 6 | Noisy bikes annoying residents | 89% |
| 7 | Conflict between track users e.g. cycles, horses | 84% |
| 8 | Environmental impact | 81% |
| 9 | Lack of facilities at ORV areas | 80% |
| 10 | Tracks not properly maintained | 78% |
| 11 | Poor quality of designated ORV areas | 76% |
| 12 | Risk of being fined | 73% |
| 13 | Bike registration | 72% |
Further analysis of the benefits of trail bike riding for obtaining motor vehicle or motorcycle road license was also performed. The themes which emerged from the content analysis of the responses of 1,366 riders to the question “Do you believe that trail bike riding has any benefits for young people attaining a motor vehicle or motorcycle road license” are:
that children’s trail bike riding
- increases physical fitness
- increases co-ordination
- increases reflexes
- increases decision making
- increases concentration, reaction time
- increases anticipation for hazards
- gain control of a motorcycle in varied conditions
and situations (e.g. slippery surfaces)
- a better understanding of road surface, traction,
timing, distance for stopping, grips, sudden
changes on the road, etc.
- learn how to operate throttle, clutch, brakes, gears,
how to overtake other riders, how to let other
riders overtake, locking brakes, stopping safely
in time to avoid an accident, etc. which all become
automatic and leave more capacity for the individual
to concentrate on other riders/drivers, dangers and
hazards on the road resulting in being a safer driver
- learn how to ride in a safe and controlled
environment without pressure of other riders or drivers
- transfer of riding skills to driving a car or road motorcycle
- increased appreciate for safety, rules, speed and
consequences of their actions
- increases personal responsibility, knowledge and maturity
- realisation that they are not indestructible
- learn the basic rules of the road
- respect, courtesy, patience
Conclusion
The data from the on-line surveys indicate that trail bike riders appear to be well organized group who practice the sport in a safe environment with their family and friends and who spent a fair amount of their income on their sport. These findings provide a way forward to address the needs of the trial bike riding community such as places to ride, change of perception of the typical trial bike riders and to further investigate the health benefits of trail bike and other organized off-road motorcycling activities.
The summary can be found by clicking here.
