Ballarat and Moorabool police are heading off road in October as part of Operation Endo, an initiative focusing on off-road motorcyclists.
Police will increase enforcement efforts around the region’s state forests and national parks where off-road motorcycling is a popular pastime.
October to December is traditionally a high-risk period for motorcyclist trauma, and police are anticipating the warmer spring weather will see many riders returning to off road riding.
Ballarat Highway Patrol acting sergeant Ben Hay said off-road motorcycling is an activity that is continuing to gain popularity, particularly within the region’s national parks and state forests.
“Unfortunately, with an increase in motorcycling activity at this time of year, we tend to also see an increase in motorcyclist trauma,” he said.
“We’ll be conducting Operation Endo throughout October in an effort to reduce off-road motorcycle trauma. Our intelligence shows that these collisions are most likely to occur on weekends, and predominantly in our national parks and state forests, so we’ll be focusing on these times and locations.”
Motorcyclists will be required to undergo alcohol and drug testing, and police will conduct registration and licence checks.
Police will also be engaging with riders to educate them on safe riding practices.
“We’ll be engaging with riders to ensure they’re well versed on safe riding practices, like ensuring their bike is in good working order, and wearing the correct safety gear,” acting sergeant Hay said.
“We’ll also be enforcing against high-risk riding behaviour, and riders should expect to see police and be intercepted while riding, as we’ll be conducting compliance checks and alcohol and drug testing.”
Police are urging riders to be mindful of fatigue and take regular breaks, especially before travelling home after spending the day riding.
Riders are also encouraged to plan ahead and check the conditions prior to riding, including park closures. Visit Parks Victoria for the latest information and updates on changed conditions and closures.
