The best advocacy gives other riders a way to participate. How do people get involved? Who do they talk to? Is there a club they can join and assist?
That is the most important part and shouldn't be left out, condensed or otherwise.
Agreed Scratchy, although a novel concept at this point in time. The best advocacy does indeed involve riders, but only when the ground work has already been done to understand all of the issues involved by all of the user groups and stakeholders that may be affected, and a plan drafted and formalised that addresses these issues. I must iterate that no one will be/is being excluded from this process, we just need sufficient time to get a few things in place first so as to be effective in what we're trying to achieve vs being ham-fisted (no offence Spanky) or haphazard about it.
Ample opportunity was presented several months ago (ie Aug or Sept08) when there was a thread created urging riders and users of the Yarra parks and trail network to sign up/express their support of mtbing for inclusion in the Yarra Parks recreation planning proposal for the Yarra Bend/Studley Park/ Fairfield area. Unfortunately, going by the numbers and the direct feedback I've received from Parks Vic, the response from riders was incredibly underwhelming. Naturally it's disappointing, though somewhat indicative of the general attitudes of mtbers. If it's there (the trails), then there's generally only a few who exercise there voices and actions in order to preserve it, but you can be guaranteed that it's only when the trails are gone that riders will spk up- usually to take a swipe at the council or Parks Vic for shutting down the trails that they couldn't be bothered to speak up and be accounted for in the first place. And yes, as you can guess, the apathetic nature of the Yarra's mtbing fraternity tends to be one of the single most frustrating elements in this process, but we're slowly getting there.
There was a handful of us from the Fat Tyre Flyers who were involved in forming a proposal put forth to Banyule City Council back in 2004, which was momentarily embraced by the council at time. So much so that impact assessments were carried out, extensive consultation and collaboration with Parks Vic and Banyule Parks and Gardens undertaken to address and resolve their shortfall in resources, planning and maintenance agendas put in place, and the formal ok for construction of a legal dirt jump facility. The first phase of the project got off the ground with the beginnings of the DJ facility started, however unfortunately it was this very council that was embroiled in a major scandal and as such the powers that be in Banyule's council body were forced to resign from their positions, and the new council scrapped all new projects that the previous council were engaged in. End game 2004.
So to sum it all up, it's back to the drawing board to refine what was done in 2003/2004 and as such things are still very much in their infancy at the moment. Hence why there hasn't been a thread created calling for feedback and support from the mtb community just yet, as we're still in the process of ascertaining the exact issues from Parks Vic's and council's perspective that will potentially mar the advancement of mtbers as a recognised and LEGAL user of the trail networks. Given the extent of progress in the past and the lack of active involvement from mtbers to come to the table, it's imperative that we process all of the info available to us and account for it so as to effectively assess and plan for the numerous variables that work against us as a legitimate user group. Remember, although you probably wouldn't know Scratchy, we're talking about a stretch of trail networks that shadows a 25km+ stretch of river, encompasses 3 different council jurisdictions and just so happens to thread through some of Melbourne most established and affluent suburbs.
As previously stated, a thread will be created once we've shored up a few of the clear pitfalls and there's a structure in place that will allow us to start a much more public dialogue that involves the greater mtb audience who utilise the area.
In the meantime, I'd like to thank all of those who have taken the time and utilised their initiative by PMing me regarding their willingness to help in a variety of capacities. Snozza, Bruce, Peter, Ben R etcetcetc. Likewise a big thanks to those of you from interstate who have been supportive and helpful with regards to shedding light on the issues you've faced and ways of managing them with your own council endorsed mtb facilities. You're time has been incredibly appreciated and invaluable.
Stay tuned. In the meantime tread lightly and please do not carry out any works other than general maintenance of the high traffic trails. Oh and a big shout out to those of you who are training in the Ivanhoe area and are cleaning up your act; went for another 5hr ride through the area and for the second weekend in a row I haven't crossed a single Gu or energy bar wrapper- the trails look amazing without the rubbish, just how they ought to be!
Happy rolling.