The family of a trail biker who received fatal injuries during a collision with another motorcyclist in the Pines reserve near Alexandra has welcomed the Otago-Southland coroner's view that access to the area should remain open.
Coroner David Crerar has sided with police and the family of Phillip Donald McKenzie (20), of Alexandra, and decided against making recommendations which would restrict the recreational use of the reserve.
Mr Crerar conducted an inquest into the death of Mr McKenzie on November 10 and his finding was released last week.
Mr McKenzie received a severe brain injury as the result of a head-on collision with trail biker Nathan Lyon on June 19.
Both men were riding their bikes reasonably and at an appropriate speed through the Pines, in an area of limited visibility, Mr Crerar said.
The riders were travelling in opposite directions and each was unaware the other was approaching.
There was no time to take evasive action.
They were both wearing protective clothing designed for trail bikers, including full-face helmets.
That did not prevent Mr McKenzie receiving fatal injuries when he fell to the ground after being thrown from his motorcycle.
He died in Dunedin Hospital on June 21.
The Pines area, on the northern approach to the town, was used for recreation and the Central Otago District Council had established a separate off-road motorcycle area further away from the town a few years ago.
It placed signs at the main entry points into the Pines, banning motorcycles.
Police and Mr McKenzie's family had asked Mr Crerar not to make adverse comments about the use of the Pines in the future by motorcyclists.
Police believed it was better for trail bikers to travel through the area to access other trail-biking areas, rather than using public roads or the Otago Central Rail Trail.
Mr Crerar said by "a narrow margin" he agreed with the McKenzies and the police so would not recommend the council fence the Pines area, establish more bylaws on access, or enforce its current bylaw, banning motorcycles.
Mr McKenzie's mother, Diane, said yesterday the family was pleased Mr Crerar had stepped back from restrictions on the recreational use of the Pines.
"We didn't want access to be restricted as a result of the accident.
The Pines is widely used for recreation and we'd hate to see it fenced off."
Mr Crerar issued a warning about the potential dangers of the area.
"If motorcyclists are to continue to use the Pines reserve, specifically for access to other motorcycle recreational areas, they must do so responsibly and use that track solely for access, obeying appropriate road rules," he said.
Signs should remain and perhaps be enhanced to warn motorcyclists of the dangers they presented to themselves and the other users of the area.
