Woman concussed, breaks thumb after dangerous act in national park
Despite suffering several injuries, the mountain biker believes she got off lightly and took to social media to warn others against the irresponsible behaviour.
A mountain biker is calling out the dangerous behaviour which left her "pretty banged up" over the Easter weekend, believing the situation could have been a lot worse.
Excited to try out her new ride, Beth Fairley took to a trail at Tewantin National Park in Queensland on Saturday, travelling downhill at speed when she unexpectedly collided with something coming the other way.
"On a steep, blind bend I was hit by an electric motocross bike and its rider coming up the one-way trail," Beth told Yahoo News Australia, with the moment caught on video by her body camera.
Due to the other rider being on an automatic bike powered by a throttle, Beth said she was badly injured from the impact — with her thumb broken, body covered in scrapes and bruises, and suffering from concussion. However, she thanks her lucky stars her injuries were not more severe.
"If it was a child he ran into, as this is a very popular trail for the kids, I hate to think what could have happened," she said. "To be clear, these national park trails are for the exclusive use of pedal powered bikes," she explained, before adding, "And for very good reason. Motorbikes cause massive trail damage and could prove fatal on these trails."
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Electric motorbikes not permitted
According to the Department of Environment and Science, no individual should be riding motorbikes on national park trails to avoid accidents like this from occurring. "No motorbikes, including electric motorbikes, are permitted on any trails in Tewantin National Park," a spokesperson told Yahoo. "Pedal assist electric bicycles (e-bicycles) are allowed."
"There are several offences that can apply for the unlawful use of vehicles in national parks," they continued.
In the City of Gold Coast, drivers riding a motorbike in a park or reserve can cop fines ranging from $243 up to court-imposed penalties of $5,000.
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