Signs get dirty in bikes fight

By Sarah Schwager
DIRT bike riders are scarce on the streets of the coastal villages after a number of initiatives by local residents and the police.
Cannons Creek resident Bill D’Oliveira said the local Neighbourhood Watch and police had a meeting to discuss the issue of dirt bikes in the area and had come up with the idea of signs.
The signs warn people of the fines for riding in the streets, $500 for the rider as well as $500 for the motorbike, and the penalties that could ensue.
Mr D’Oliveira said since putting up the signs a fortnight ago, the number of bikes in town had dramatically reduced.
Signs were put up at the general stores in Cannons Creek and Warneet and at the Blind Bight Community Centre.
Cannon’s Creek resident Joyce Brown said since the signs were put up, the dirt bikes had mostly vacated the streets, opting instead for the surrounding paddocks.
Mr D’Oliveira said as long as they stuck to their properties there was not a problem.
“They can ride all day in the paddocks if they want,” he said.
Cranbourne Senior Sergeant Michael Wearne said the reduction in dirt bikes in the coastal towns was most likely a combination of increased patrols, proactive measures by local police, and the signs.
Sen Sgt Wearne said police had spoken to many local youths about the penalties and had subsequently seen a reduction in the number of dirt bikes in the area.
“Kids have got to realise if they break the law they are going to get convicted and fined,” he said.