Fencing 'ruins cycle track'

CYCLIST Sam Chambers returned to Bundaberg from holiday last week to an unpleasant surprise - the cycling track he regularly rides has been fitted with fencing too small to fit his bike through.

Mr Chambers and his wife frequently ride the Turtle Trail and were angered to find this new development.

“These stupid barriers were not needed, the functioning alternative was already there and in use,” said Mr Chambers.

“It is a marvellous trail and some idiot has gone and buggered it up.”

Council roads and drainage group manager Peter Jensen said the intention of the fences was to keep motorbikes off the trail.

“As far as council is aware, a normal bike can get through,” he said.

However Mr Chambers rides an ordinary touring cycle and said he has met many others on the trail who were not impressed with the structures.

“We met other cyclists who were cursing, we certainly haven't met anyone who is happy about it,” he said.

The structures were completed two weeks ago on the Turtle Trail which connects Bargara and Burnett Heads, via Mon Repos.

Mr Chambers is concerned about other bikes with child carriers or panniers on the back.

“You can't get through unless you put your bike over your shoulder,” Mr Chambers said.

“The original swinging gates were fine.”

Mr Jensen encourages anyone concerned to report the it to council.

“If it is an issue and we get a complaint we will look into it,” he said.

Local Government Minister Desley Boyle was due to open the Turtle Trail at the weekend, but had to cancel reportedly due to illness.