30 Nov 2025
A few months ago, a young girl contacted Connecting Corridors with a heartbreaking request: help local bike riders find somewhere legal to ride after her friend was tragically killed in an accident. The team had also been advised on separate occasions of booby-traps set to hurt or scare riders, underscoring the urgency.
Their first thought was simple but troubling: why are bikes being sold when there’s nowhere safe to ride them?
Taking the issue to council
Connecting Corridors brought the issue to local Councillor Jess Smith, who arranged a meeting with Council delegates. The intent was to present riders’ experiences and learn from what other councils had implemented.
Interest in attending was limited, with many riders sceptical that change would occur. Four representatives took part, including one from Madora Bay.
The City of Mandurah’s response was blunt: there is no more land available. Even the local netball group had been told there was no room for them. Mandurah appears to have built itself to the point where new recreational spaces are extremely constrained.
Exploring alternatives
Connecting Corridors considered working with DCBA, who are doing strong work at the Pinjar venue. The City of Mandurah indicated they were not interested in collaborating, but the team intends to revisit this in the new year.
Currently, motorbike riders are permitted to use the ORV (Off-Road Vehicle) section of the beach, but definitely not the sand dunes or marked-off areas.
The meeting largely circled around what other councils could do, while Mandurah remained firm in its position.
Special events and next steps
Near the end of the meeting, Connecting Corridors asked whether closed-off streets could be used for special events. Council confirmed roads could be shut, but another party would need to take responsibility for running the event.
Any organiser would need to be an incorporated group. Connecting Corridors stated they would consider this option if there is sufficient community interest.
Initial insurance checks suggest a requirement of approximately $10,000, meaning the first practical step is securing funds.
Current status
The issue remains unresolved. Riders still lack safe, legal spaces, and the community faces ongoing risks. The conversation has begun. Connecting Corridors will attempt to explore every avenue - partnerships, special events, and new initiatives - to create safe corridors where riders can connect, ride, and thrive.
