In some locations it can negatively impact other users by damaging park environments and cultural heritage values and posing a safety risk to community members which the City may ultimately be liable for.
Purpose
The purpose of these guidelines is to provide a consistent approach to assessing and managing the risks and impacts of makeshift bike jumps and trails to ensure the community is safe and able to enjoy an undamaged natural environment.
Our guiding principles
We are committed to:
- the management of City-owned or managed land in a manner which is safe and inclusive of all community users
- the protection of the natural and built environment for the enjoyment of residents and visitors
- improving the health and safety of our community
- the provision of facilities that foster positive health and wellbeing
- delivering accessible and attractive community infrastructure based on community need.
Immediate risk to community safety
So far as is practicable Council is obligated responsible and committed to the management of Council land in a manner which is safe for all community users.
We understand that this may be disappointing to some community members who have created and used these makeshift bike jumps; however public safety is our top priority.
A risk assessment will be undertaken and in the event a removal is required advisory signage will be placed at the site.
Assessment process
While we acknowledge the energy creativity and enjoyment of those involved in creating make-shift bike jumps and trails we have the responsibility to ensure all residents and visitors are safe and our environment and cultural heritage is protected. We are now moving to undertake detailed assessments of reported makeshift bike jumps and trails.
The assessment process endeavours to be consistent thanks to a central reference point and to place our community at the centre of this process.
Assessment criteria
We will undertake a site assessment of reported makeshift bike jumps and trails for their risks and impact on the following categories:
| Assessment criteria | Guidelines |
|---|---|
| Compliance and legal | Makeshift bike jumps and trails will be subject to an assessment and will not be permitted in situations where they trigger non-compliance with relevant regulations and where the potential for liability exceeds the community benefit. |
| People and safety | Makeshift bike jumps and trails will not be permitted if they pose an immediate safety risk to the users and community members. Makeshift bike jumps and trails will not be permitted if located within landfill sites. When contaminated land or suspected contaminates are exposed our safety procedures will be enforced. |
| Impact on the natural environment | Makeshift bike jumps and trails must not cause damage to or impact trees (including tree roots) watercourses or other natural assets |
| Reputation | A communication and engagement plan will be prepared in line with the recommendations made in the assessment report. |
| Services delivery | Makeshift bike jumps and trails:
|
What happens next
When a makeshift bike jump and trail does not comply with these rules we may decide to remove some elements or the full site. Where the full site is to be removed we will attempt to engage and educate the builders users and adjoining residents to explain the reasons for removing the bike jumps.
Need to know more...
For further information please contact our Community & Recreation Team on 03 5272 5272 or by emailing comrec@geelongcity.vic.gov.au.