I’ve followed this for a while without really looking closely at the environmental values of the site, however, its hard to imagine they couldn’t accommodate at least something for mtbers in the most degraded sections. That said, it wouldn’t surprise me if the current network of trails is having a negative impact on the area, given the relatively small size of the site. It is fairly packed with trails.
I do wonder about some of the pro-mtb comments being put forward on the various FB pages:
- Sanctioned trails will stop the building of unsanctioned trails. I’m curious what happens elsewhere, however, there is a huge amount of unsanctioned trails in Kalamunda despite there being an extensive sanctioned network there. I imagine it would reduce it, depending on what sort of network they end up with.
- Mtb trails will contribute to the local economy. I get this argument for regional towns where people might stay there and do other touristy things, but can’t imagine a suburban area so close to Perth getting a significant benefit.
Be interested in what others think.
@Rorschach what’s it like to ride? I haven’t been riding there for 20 years, but it was pretty sandy and a long way off the standard of trails in the hills last time I did.