Unauthorised bike jumps and tracks

The construction of unauthorised bike jumps or tracks is not permitted by Council. They are typically not built to a specific standard or inspected for safety and may pose risks to the surrounding environment and public safety.

Council understands that many of these jumps are being built by young people who are simply trying to have fun and be creative while not intending to cause harm. However, we also have a responsibility to ensure our public spaces are safe and well-maintained for everyone in the community to enjoy.

Unauthorised jumps and tracks which are deemed a risk to the public or environment will be removed. Any use of these jumps are at the rider’s own risk.

Holes, mounds and depressions constructed for bike jumps in our recreation spaces can pose a serious safety risk to the community. They can be a trip, slip or fall hazard with the potential to cause serious harm or injury, particularly to the more vulnerable members of our community.

Penrith is home to a diverse range of native species and ecological communities. It is Council’s responsibility to manage, protect and preserve our natural environment. Bike jumps can cause significant damage to threatened species and endangered plant communities.

Building bike jumps including excavating and mounding soil, creating tracks, clearing and vegetation removal is not sustainable and can negatively impact our parks, open spaces, and bushland reserves, including the plants and animals which live in these areas.

The clearing of vegetation to construct tracks and jumps leads to soil erosion and compaction which negatively impacts sensitive native vegetation. During rainfall soil erosion increases and the potential run off into nearby waterways can also harm aquatic life and vegetation.

In the case of unauthorised bike jumps Council advises that:

• Pedestrians and park users keep clear of riders, jumps and tracks
• Bike riding over jumps or tracks is a dangerous recreational activity and riders use bike jumps at their own risk
• Council is monitoring sites to determine any safety or environmental risks.

Removal of bike jumps and rehabilitation of the area may include:

• Filling in holes to make the area safer for riders and other members of the community
• Installing signage to notify the community that creating bike jumps and tracks is unauthorised
• Removing jumps, rocks, debris and rubbish
• Installing temporary fencing to block future access and allow bush regeneration
• Planting, mulching and using natural materials to mitigate environmental impacts.

There is a BMX facility at Blair Oval in St Marys and you can find your nearest skate park here.