During Australia's extended lockdown due to COVID-19 and the closure of many organised sports and fitness activities, there has been a significant increase in cycling activity. This observation has led to an increase in cycling-related accidents. Cycling hospital emergency department presentations increased: June 2020 (n=567) vs June 2019 (n=289). Child (under 15 years) cycling injuries increased: 50 cases (June 2019) to 154 (June 2020). [1] Many of these accidents may be attributed to the observed rise in improvised bike jumps being constructed in many Councils across Victoria, including Moonee Valley, Nillumbik, Maroondah, Surf Coast, Warrnambool, Bendigo and Horsham. 

These jumps, sometimes referred to as "rogue", “makeshift", "impromptu" or "illegal" have sparked debate across the affected Council areas, with one side highlighting the potential safety risks to riders in addition to the damage to sensitive vegetation, whereas the other side has argued that "kids will be kids". 

@leisure is assisting Councils with a process and strategy to reconcile community concerns around said jumps and address issues at each site.  In light of the rise of "informal" bike jumps across Moonee Valley, the Council has engaged @leisure to undertke a thorough risk assessment of a suite of jump sites.

If you have any concerns about "informal" bike jumps arriving in your area, feel free to contact us.  You can also leave comments below.