National Parks gives green light to mountain bikers - ABC Online
Updated
New signage for a mountain bike trail in Glenrock State Conservation Area, near Newcastle.
A 14-kilometre mountain bike track in Newcastle's Glenrock State Conservation Area is being used as a template for a new strategy for managing bike trails across New South Wales.
After years of illegal mountain biking, local enthusiasts organised for internationally-recognised designers to help set out the trail and minimise the use of illegal tracks at Glenrock.
Last year, the National Parks and Wildlife Service called for submissions to develop a sustainable mountain bike strategy.
Environment Minister, Robyn Parker says more than 2,000 submissions were received and the aim of the new strategy is to ensure mountain biking trails are properly maintained and signposted in areas such as Glenrock.
"Our new approach encourages cyclists and mountain bike riders to experience new ways to enjoy National Parks," she said.
"This means tracks will be cut with National Parks' staff, rather than the illegal tracks, which have been quite destructive."
It is hoped the new strategy will mean less conflict with other park users.
Trails Officer for the Hunter Mountain Bike Association, Leonard Allen says the strategy gives park rangers more control over how trails are managed.
"And now they've got the ability to manage the use, rather than exclude it," he said.
"I've never seen any conflict on the trails.
"There always seems to be quite a bit of respect between all the different user groups in the park.
"I guess what it does mean is you're less likely to see people riding on a designated walking trail or less likely to see illegal trails popping up around the place."
First posted
04 Oct, 2011--
Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNHuF7EhvpgLUH7ipx2ha_Jl3W9FAw&url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-10-04/national-parks-gives-green-light-to-mountain-bikers/3207898?site=newcastle
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