Maryann Avery is angry at the number of mountain bikers using the trails during lockdown
I love that we, in Rotorua, have a magnificent redwood forest on our back doorstep.
Most weekends when the weather's fine, I look forward to visiting the forest, especially the Scion dog park, where pups can run free with the unbridled joy I guess only a dog can appreciate.
Mypooch, in particular, loves these visits so much, he sometimes doesn't want to leave.
I don't blame him. It's a great way to relax. STORY CONTINUES AFTER LIVE BLOG
STORY CONTINUES In our region, we have spectacular beaches, walking tracks, beautiful natural icons, such as Mauao, free to anyone who wants to use them for their own enjoyment and wellbeing.
Those of us who are lucky enough to live within walking distance of these taonga are, for the most part, sticking to the rules.
That is, we are in level 4. This means everyone must stay at home unless they are essential workers. Or for essential personal movement.
Safe recreational activity is allowed in your local area.
It was disappointing to learn of the selfish behaviour of some people who are treating this level 4 lockdown like a holiday.
Some packed up their cars with their bikes and drove to the forest so they could mountain bike.
Level 4 is most certainly not a holiday.
In Mount Maunganui a lone paraglider was seen floating in the sky during level 4 - sparking outrage from their own paragliding community.
Further afield, I know someone who lives on Oriental Parade in Wellington who is fearful to take outdoor exercise because of all the people using the waterfront walkway and unable to social distance themselves safely.
While it is up to each person to have personal responsibility and, how people choose to spend their lockdowns is none of my business, it will certainly be all our business if rulebreakers choose to put themselves, and others, at risk with their reckless behaviour.
We reported this week that 30 people have gone to Rotorua Hospital's emergency department with mountain biking injuries since lockdown began.
"Several admitted using grade-three tracks and haven't biked for several months," Lakes emergency department head Dr Suzanne Moran says.
Rotorua resident Maryann Avery who lives near Whakarewarewa Forest told us she was "absolutely and totally hacked off" at the number of people she saw at the weekend driving to the forest or riding in groups to meet up with others.
I completely agree.
At a time when the country is in another lockdown, which some businesses may not come out the other side of, there are some people who are so thoughtless.
I understand the need to blow off the cobwebs however if you don't live nearby, you need to come up with a different exercise plan.
I too regret not living closer to the forest, but it will still be there when we come out of lockdown. If anything, being deprived of such great assets should only make us appreciate them even more.
