From section 3.5: (for those too lazy to open the pdf)
Mountain bike facilities
There are four main types of mountain bikes XC (cross country) trail, XC racing, All-Mountain, and Freeride bikes18. Disciplines of MTB include: downhill and XC racing, 4X, trials and orienteering. The sport generally uses single tracks and trails or constructed jump circuits/trails in natural areas or parks. 4X, one of the newest disciplines and where a larger proportion of the growth is, uses a constructed track, similar to a BMX racing track, running down a slope.
The sale of mountain bikes accounts for the majority of all bike sales, however there are a lack of formalised facilities, which has led to conflicts with other park users and land managers.
There are numerous sites with established mountain bike use in the Berowa Regional Park, and other bushland sites managed by Council. In the local area, trails have been formed in bushland reserves causing damage to sensitive flora and posing potential risks to other park users on narrow tracks. There is one known mountain bike trails facility in the Shire provided on private land. The Manly Warringah MTB club have a track at Arcadia (Peebles Rd Arcadia).19 It is not accessible to the public.
A number of other local councils and land management agencies in Queensland, South Australia, and Victoria have developed public mountain bike parks. There is a 4X track in Homebush that is also used by BMX riders.
18Cross-country (XC) trails bikes are generally an all-purpose mountain bike providing more control but generally less speed. Cross-country (XC) racing bikes: mostly used by those who are focusing on fitness and endurance, where speed is a key objective –and there is less focus on control as required in steep descents.
All-mountain bikes (downhill) generally have bigger tires, advanced suspension and brakes and are suited to downhill and steep terrain.
Freeride bikes are designed to ride the most extreme types of terrain; steep chutes, large rocks and roots, big jumps and drop-offs-and any other terrain.
19 See photos and plan (
www.mwmtb.com/xc location.htm). There is also a MTB club that meets at Arcadia.
Demand for mountain bikes
There are few statistics available concerning the demand for mountain bikes or the demographic profile of riders. However, anecdotal evidence suggests there is significant growth in the activity as a competitive sport, and as a non-competitive activity, especially by older adults.
Mountain Bike Australia membership has increased by almost 400% over the last 5 years. Only 5 – 10% of mountain bike owners actually belong to an organised group or club.20
NSW has the largest proportion of Mountain Bike Australia memberships with over 1,500 members from NSW.
Mountain biking has traditionally been undertaken predominantly by males21 however there has been an increase in female participation in cycling over the last five years22 that is likely to correspond to increasing demand in mountain biking for women.
With the advancements in technology and rider skill there is an increased demand for more challenging trails to test rider skill and deter construction of trails in inappropriate locations.
The provision of mountain bike activities in the Hornsby Shire warrants some further investigation.
Various studies such as Assessing Recreation Demand and Opportunities Northern Sydney Region" study Feb 2004 by Parkland Environmental Planners for Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources, and the DIPNR regional trails findings 2005 by HASSELL have identified demand for off-road cycling opportunities in the Northern Sydney Region.
20 International Mountain Bike Association Website.
21 90% of riders are male (Goeft & Alder 2000)
22 ERASS
Key issues
The key issues associated with mountain bikes in the Shire are similar to BMX issues:
The significant demand for Mountain bike trails in the Shire
The absence of a formally designated public facilities
The construction of trails in inappropriate sites
The need to assess existing sites and designate the nature of management- or remove
The need to establish a process to liaise with other land managers (eg NPWS) clubs and user groups about facilities and ongoing demand
The need to establish agreed management process for designated sites
There is established mountain bike use in natural areas in the Shire including on crown and other public land, however mountain bikes are not a permissible use of National or Regional Parks managed by NPWS except on a fire trail or management track.
NPWS currently have a major enforcement issue in relation to MTB in reserved crown land.
There are opportunities to embrace and manage mountain bike use in selective areas as has been done in Tasmania and Victoria.
Key Issues (cont’d)
There is a need to have a consistent approach by the Shire and other land managers to cross country MTB trails (especially DECC for Berowra Valley Regional Park and to a lesser extent Department of Lands). It would be desirable for Council to pursue this further with all agencies.
There are a number of significant risks associated with providing high-level MTB facilities, unless there is a high degree of management of trails, enforcement of the wearing of protective clothing and control over who rides what facilities. Most downhill trails and freeride jumps or all-mountain bike trails will not be able to be facilitated by Council in the urban environment unless in conjunction with a club and other relevant land owners or managers.
Policy directions: Mountain bike facilities
Facilitate MTB activities on a similar basis to BMX
No new facilities to be built without prior consideration of through-life asset management costs and the financial viability implications
Give priority to providing foundation level skills development, not elite level facilities or racing
Give priority for MTB facilities to:
o Negotiating consistent approach to provision of cross country trails with NPWS DECC and DOL
o addressing the management of existing trails in bushland, (eg Old Mans Valley);
o
managing select single track MTB sites or jumps areas on suitable flat areas for MTBs (rather than down hill trails)
o developing new sites in appropriate urban locations such as Hayes Park, Galston
Work closely with local clubs and seek funds from Sport and Recreation or other sources to plan, design and manage one site eg Old Mans Valley.
Where a jump areas or trail is provided; ensure beginner and intermediate runs are provided to ensure there are graded challenges for riders. This will encourage skill development, and enable riders to ride a level of facility suitable to their level of proficiency.
Council should not provide for downhill MTB disciplines or provide sites suitable for competition unless a club manages the site and any competition.
Address issues identified with user constructed tracks as identified under BMX facilities (in the previous chapter)
See Schedule 6 for a process to address unauthorised locations.
See Schedule 7 for MTB site selection criteria
See Schedule 9 for specific actions regarding existing sites.
See Volume 2, Skate and BMX Management Policy and Plan
But of interest in Schedule 6
On the topic of North Shore construction:
"Elevated timber structures that are easily accessible to pedestrians or riders, or that may not be sound"
Risk Level 1
1. Erect a temporary sign with words to the effect: WARNING this is not a Council facility. Users must accept sole responsibility for injury or death incurred because of use
2. Address users (or if the facility is unattended) leave a note addressing users. Congratulate them on their work, indicate that a council officer has inspected the facility and report on the findings of Step 1-3
3. Recommend the users contact the relevant council officer urgently to discuss options of accommodating this sport (elsewhere if the site is inappropriate) or in a more acceptable manor)
4.
Demolish structures after seven days unless they are in an appropriate location and they can be made safe.
5. Distribute media release explaining the issue to the public - not necessarily identifying the location. If close to houses letter box adjacent residents ie within 400m
6. Meet with users to discuss options for use or development of similar facilities in a more suitable location, making the facility safe, and future management etc
Rationale: Considerable effort and expertise is required to construct these facilities. They provide considerable value to proficient riders. Riders should given the opportunity to discuss the issue with council and for council to explain issues associated with risk, environmental damage and possible appropriate site
Sounds like you boys need to get talking with your council!
