John Martyn took this photo while walking along the Cascades trail in Garigal National Park last month. He contacted the Garigal ranger. The ranger, Nicola explained how powerless they are as they are with many illegal activities in national parks.

Trail bikes are a common sight and the rangers have had many encounters. Most are unregistered (the rider pictured may well be too young). According to Nicola, what usually happens when they spot NPWS vehicles is they either roar past at speed or do a swift uey. They are rarely if ever co-operative. The one chance is that an unregistered bike must legally not be used on-road and so would possibly be brought to a trackhead in a registered car and trailer.

So what can NPWS do? Not much according to Nicola: the bikes are usually too fast and manoeuvrable to catch even in a SUV. Unlike Penrith police, Northern Beaches force don’t have a trail bike team that can be called in response.

But NPWS in Garigal are very happy to hear from you if you spot one. Numbers are: Forrestville Office 9451 3479; ranger Nicola 0429 634 431.