Banning Bikes from the Ocean Beach

[Kawhia]

Theres a hot debate going on in Kawhia whether to ban bikes accessing the ocean beach. The pro-ban side, are saying that some bikies are abusing the privalidge, by driving at speeds that are dangerous to walkers, fishermen and sunbathers.

They also say that the bikers often go off the beaten track, onto the sand dunes and help increase the erosion, and most seriously, they disturb the local nesting birds.

The pro-bike side however argue, that its only a very small minority of abusers, and instead of punishing those that are respectful of our greatest treasure, and are either too old, or incapable of walking the beach, should instead have a speed ban placed on it.

The pro-ban say, who's going to police the beach?...and so on...

It sounds like no easy answer...What do you suggest?