Key Takeaways
- The Wellington City Council is installing motion-activated cameras to identify vandals targeting mountain bike trails on Matairangi/Mt Victoria.
- The vandalism has included placing logs, stumps, and other obstacles on trails, as well as removing fencing and signage.
- The council is urging riders to take extra care and is asking the public to report any suspected vandalism.
- The mountain bike priority trails were designed to minimize conflict between different users of the Town Belt.
- The council will not tolerate behavior that puts others in harm’s way and is working with the police to address the issue.
Introduction to the Vandalism
The Wellington City Council has announced that it will be installing motion-activated cameras on the mountain bike trails of Matairangi/Mt Victoria after a series of vandalism incidents. The vandalism, which appears to be targeting mountain bikers, has included the placement of logs, stumps, and other obstacles on several trails. These obstacles have been placed in locations where they could cause serious injury to riders if hit. The council has notified the police and is taking steps to identify the culprits and prevent further incidents.
The Extent of the Vandalism
The vandalism has been extensive, with timber being fastened to trees at a height that could injure riders. Fencing and signage have also been removed around the V, Rockdrop, and Shuttlecock tracks. The council is warning riders to take extra care while using the trails and is urging the public to report any suspected vandalism. The council’s parks and open spaces manager, Bradley Schroder, has expressed concern about the vandalism and has emphasized that the council will not tolerate behavior that puts others in harm’s way.
The Council’s Response
The Wellington City Council is taking a proactive approach to addressing the vandalism. In addition to installing motion-activated cameras, the council is working with the police to identify the culprits and is urging the public to report any suspected vandalism. The council is also reminding riders to be aware of their surroundings and to take extra care while using the trails. The council’s goal is to ensure that the Town Belt remains a safe and enjoyable space for all users, including walkers, runners, riders, and other track users.
The Importance of Shared Spaces
The mountain bike priority trails on Matairangi/Mt Victoria were designed to minimize conflict between different users of the Town Belt. The trails were heavily signposted to ensure that all users are aware of the potential for other users to be present. The council recognizes that not everyone may be happy about the shared use of the Town Belt, but emphasizes that it will not tolerate behavior that puts others in harm’s way. The council is committed to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for all users of the Town Belt.
The Role of the Community
The Wellington City Council is urging the public to play a role in preventing further vandalism. The council is asking members of the public to report any suspected vandalism or suspicious behavior to the council on 499 4444. The council is also working with the mountain biking community to raise awareness about the issue and to encourage riders to take extra care while using the trails. By working together, the council and the community can help to prevent further incidents and ensure that the Town Belt remains a safe and enjoyable space for all users.
Conclusion
The vandalism on the mountain bike trails of Matairangi/Mt Victoria is a serious issue that requires a proactive response. The Wellington City Council is taking steps to address the issue, including the installation of motion-activated cameras and working with the police to identify the culprits. The council is also urging the public to report any suspected vandalism and is reminding riders to take extra care while using the trails. By working together, the council and the community can help to prevent further incidents and ensure that the Town Belt remains a safe and inclusive environment for all users.
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