The State Government must consider allocating dedicated, managed, recreational areas to cater for off-road enthusiasts, the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC) said today.

This call comes in conjunction with a community protest, “Push for the Bush”, being organised for Monday by trail bike riders, calling for continued access to crown land and bush tracks.

VACC Executive Director, David Purchase, said VACC calls for better management of crown land areas for this legitimate leisure activity, including dedicated areas set-aside for off-road activities.

“The population of off-road enthusiasts continues to grow,” Mr Purchase said.

“The Government must recognise motorcycle riders and four wheel drive off-road enthusiasts as a legitimate recreational group.

“There needs to be a balance between legitimate environmental concerns, and legitimate leisure use for walkers, mountain bikers, horse trekking and off-road motorcycling."

Mr Purchase said most off-road motorcyclists were careful to behave responsibly in the bush, but they were tarnished by the very few rogues.

He said off-road motorcycles represented the bulk of annual Victorian motorcycle sales.

According to VFACTS, while this year’s sales of off-road and road motorcycles were more even, most likely due to climbing petrol prices, 2005 sales saw 10,700 off-road motorcycles, compared to 7,000 road-bikes sold.

“This is a $53.5-million industry in Victoria alone.

“The industry should be recognised by Government and leisure users of these machines managed properly to ensure a good balance is enjoyed by all bush users,” Mr Purchase said.