Residents in Canning Vale say safety has become an issue at Fairfield Park, where a bike track installed by the City of Canning is now being used by electric and motorised bikes.
Several residents who spoke to The Examiner said the issue has been ongoing for months, with activity increasing over time.
One resident said they first noticed the group some time ago but became more concerned recently after seeing riders on nearby roads.
“I knew this group probably many months ago. They were normally playing around Fairfield Park,” they said.
“Two weeks ago, I saw them riding in the middle of the road and speeding. I think they got in the way of a garbage truck. That’s dangerous.”
Residents said the bikes are not only being used on the track but also on footpaths and surrounding streets.
Another resident said they had seen riders approach pedestrians on shared paths.
“I’ve had to gather my grandchildren off the path because they were coming through on motorbikes,” they said.
They said the riders sometimes move in groups, which can make other park users feel uneasy.
“Sometimes they go in a group, and it’s quite intimidating,” they said.
Some residents also raised concerns about damage to the park and nearby properties.
One resident said riders spin their wheels on the track and surrounding areas, which brings up dirt and leaves visible marks.
Another resident alleged that when riders are challenged, they sometimes return later and damage nearby lawns.
Some residents said they had reported the issue to the City of Canning, challenging claims that only one person had made complaints.
“I am aware of at least another four people who have made complaints,” one resident said.
A group of women who regularly use the park for Tai Chi also said they had contacted the city but did not receive a response.
Questions have also been raised about consultation before the track was installed, with some residents saying they were not aware of any community input at the time.
Residents said temporary CCTV had been used in the park, which they believe reduced the behaviour while it was in place.
“This stopped all antisocial activity including the e-bike and motorbike activity,” one resident said.
They said the behaviour returned once the camera was removed, and that Rangers usually attend only after being called.
“By the time they get there, the riders are gone,” the resident said.
Other park users shared similar concerns about safety.
One resident described the facility as “inappropriate and very risky to young children and users to the park, among them the elderly people also,” and called for its removal.
A parent who visits the park regularly said they had noticed more unsafe behaviour.
“The riders are using the jumps which were installed by the council,” they said.
“They are also riding recklessly on the footpaths and surrounding roads.”
In response, City of Canning Mayor Patrick Hall said the bike track was installed to provide a designated area for informal riding and to reduce damage in other parts of the park.
He said the city had received three complaints about the matter over the past two years, all from one resident, and had responded with site inspections, patrol requests and temporary CCTV.
The city also confirmed it is aware of reports of motorised bikes using the track, which is not its intended use.
“The city will continue to monitor the situation at Fairfield Park and remains open to reviewing the suitability of the current arrangements,” Mayor Hall said.
Residents say the issue remains ongoing and are calling for changes or removal to improve safety in the park.
