Due to significant safety and environmental concerns, Nillumbik Shire Council, supported by VicTrack, Metro Trains and Melbourne Water, will soon remove unauthorised bike jumps in Diamond Creek.
The bike jumps, located on VicTrack land leased by Council and bounded by the Hurstbridge rail line and Diamond Creek, are only accessible by crossing the train tracks, raising fears for the safety of users.
Council, together with Metro Trains will access the site to remove jumps over the Easter holiday period when the rail line is scheduled to close for regular maintenance.
Council recognises the very passionate local BMX community who love to build and ride on their own jumps. However, these considerations must be balanced with the safety of riders, as well as Council's responsibility for protecting the natural environment of our Green Wedge Shire.
In this instance, serious concerns have been raised about people, including young children, crossing the rail bridge, on the train tracks, with their bikes to get to this site.
Council is working with BMX riders to reach a long-term solution. We are seeking feedback about the possibility of creating a BMX bike park in the Diamond Creek area that would cater to all ages and riding ability.
We've engaged specialist designers The Trail Collective to develop concept plans for a park. They are working with riders on their ideas about what such a park could include and we look forward to seeing the results.
Riders and community members can provide their input by completing The Trail Collective's online survey, which is open until 18 April.
