It is desirable for the broad acreage activity of off-road cycling to occur through natural and plantation forests over a mixture of terrain and trails. Many other sporting and recreational activities are constrained to a small area can be provided for by a single government department (i.e. Office of Recreation and Sport). However, access for off-road cycling requires many departments and agencies to work together and who do not necessarily have recreation as their primary objective.
Off-road cycling encompasses many forms of cycling including: cross-country, downhill, free-ride and jumping. We advocate for appropriate activities for appropriate areas. Certainly the most pervasive form of off-road cycling is long distance cross-country. This is by far the lowest impact on the environment and generally does not cause conflict issues. However, large areas of land are needed.
It is with out question that off-road cycling has occurred for many years. Kids have been riding through nature parks on “Dragster” bikes for well over 30 years. In the past, however, off-road cycling has established a bad reputation with beliefs that it creates environmental decay, conflict with other trail users and only attracts “thrill seekers” uninterested by the environment and its preservation. While in the past some of these issues were pertinent, things are changing. Thanks to IMBA we can build environmentally sustainable trails. We can use signage, educational initiatives and trail design to minimise conflict. The “thrill seeker” tag really is a perception as cross country cycling is by in far the most popular form of off-road cycling and a survey of cyclists at Mt Wellington (Tasmania) concluded that 72% of mountain bike riders visited the park to appreciate the nature and scenery - the highest reason for mountain bike riding at Wellington Park.
Almost every area where you can mountain bike in Adelaide is the result of a significant lobbying effort over a long period of time. Locations like Fox Creek, the Mawson Trail, Eagle Mountain Bike Park, Mitcham Council reserves, the city jump park and others are only around because of trail access efforts by many people.
Despite some great initiatives, South Australia access has still some way to go. Most Australian states permit off-road cycling on all fire and management roads within Nature Parks, National Parks and Recreation Parks (excluding wilderness zones). Also, despite the extensive hills face forested zone there is virtually no off-road cycling opportunities in these areas. More needs to be done to secure sustainable off-road cycling in and around Adelaide. Knowledge, persistence and demonstrated community demand are key ingredients to effective lobbying. Greater community awareness, understanding and acceptance will go a long way towards greater access for bikes.
