Radio New Zealand have published a podcast on the increasing number of motorcycles in the Akatarawa Forest Park, and how they are causing problems for other users.
Just north of Wellington is a 15,000-hectare playground full of winding tracks, canyons, and waterways. The Akatarawa Forest Park, which stretches from Upper Hutt to the Kapiti Coast, was once farmland and forestry, but is now a blend of native and exotic bush.
Over the years it has become a popular spot for horse riders, walkers, and mountain bikers. However, the growing number of motorbikes on the track has become a point of tension, and is being likened to a ‘wild west’ by other users, with some now fearing for their safety.
Emergency services were called twice to the Forest Park over the recent Matariki weekend for a head-on crash between two motorbike riders, and again after two riders were reported to be missing.Kathryn speaks to a track user, who says the situation is increasingly dangerous, and falling through regulatory cracks. Also joining is Ricky Clarkson, Greater Wellington Regional Councils eastern parks team leader and Geoff Swainson, Upper Hutt City Council director of asset management and operations.
Click through to the Radio New Zealand website to listen to the podcast. If you ride in the Akatarawa Forest Park be mindful of other park users and if you see other riders that aren’t doing so, give them a serve, before motorcyclists lose access to the park.
Ridden there for 30 years and never seen a horse rider. Listened to the podcast and there are a number of takeaways
1. It’s the only place you can ride a motorized vehicle. Of course there are going to be lots of bikes. If you don’t want to stand on the side of the track all the time, there are other places to walk
2. This is not the place to take kids on a push bike ride. No wonder he was confronted
3. It’s untouched as bikers are only interested in riding, not disturbing nature wonders like canyons and Rata trees
4. My experience is 99% of people there are courteous of each other. He sounds like someone who has different experiences