Mountain bike management gears up with the release of the WA Mountain Bike Management Guidelines

The Mountain Bike Working Group is pleased to release the draft Western Australian Mountain Bike Management Guidelines for public comment. Mountain Biking is one of the fastest growing recreational activities in WA, and this document will provide the framework required to support both the mountain bike community and land managers in developing high quality new trails to meet this significant demand. The primary aim of the WA Mountain Bike Management Guidelines is to provide a well-defined framework to support the local mountain bike community and land managers develop trails that: are of high quality meet the requirements of riders of all abilities are sustainable, providing long term enjoyment for users with minimal maintenance cost are graded according to an internationally recognised system able to provide for a range of MTB disciplines and skill levels facilitate rapid upgrades and additions to existing networks minimise impact to the natural environment in which they are located The development of these guidelines was a community based project, facilitated by the Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW). A working group was established to develop a framework that meets the needs listed above, with representation from the mountain bike community, trail builders and relevant government entities. This release is a chance for you to have your say, and ensure the document is able to meet the diverse needs of the WA mountain bike community. The guidelines combine local experience and knowledge, with world’s best practice from the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) and consultants such as Dafydd Davis, the renowned trail guru responsible for the development of the legendary Coed-y-Brenin mountain bike park in Wales. This document is also being tested `live` for the development of the Murray Valley, City of Cockburn’ Manning Park Mountain Bike Project, Margaret River Bramley National Park, Wellington National Park and Pemberton trails. This process will ensure practical feedback is also available to further refine the guidelines, and make them as relevant as possible to those who will use them. Thank you to everyone involved for their time and effort in getting the guidelines to this stage. Download the Western Australian Mountain Bike Management Guidelines consultation draft at http://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/connect/mountain-bike-guidelines-draft Interested organisations and individuals are invited to comment through the survey at http://parks.dpaw.wa.gov.au/connect/mountain-bike-guidelines-draft The public consultation period will close on 18th September 2015.

After nearly three years of work, WAMBA and Westcycle are delighted to celebrate the launch of the Western Australian Mountain Bike Strategy - Unlocking the Potential.

WA Minister for Environment, Hon. Albert Jacob MLA; WAMBA President, Louise Wallace and Westcycle CEO, Matt Fulton fronted the media this morning at Herdsman Lake to officially launch the Strategy, which provides a clear statewide approach to coordinating and developing mountain biking in Western Australia over the period 2015 – 2020.

Western Australia is the cycling capital of Australia with 23% of people riding a bike compared to a national average of 19%. Mountain biking is one of the State’s fastest growing recreational, sport and tourism activities. Almost 120,000 mountain bikes are bought every year in WA alone. The time is therefore right for a clear statewide approach to coordinating and developing mountain biking in Western Australia. The State has the diverse environments and outstanding scenery to support a thriving mountain biking industry and grow into a world-class mountain bike destination.

“There has been a surge in mountain biking as a recreational activity in recent years. With demand for mountain bike trails and suitable facilities exceeding supply in many areas, the Strategy identifies the gaps and provides a framework for us to fill them” said Louise Wallace, President of WAMBA. 

According to WAMBA’s President, the Strategy will enable even more Western Australians and visitors to get riding, and provide a range of high quality and sustainable trails for new and existing mountain bikers to enjoy.

“Western Australia is home to some iconic and extraordinary experiences and the Strategy shows how we can make mountain biking one of them,” says Matt Fulton, WestCycle CEO. He said the Strategy is a significant document for mountain biking in WA and the result of nearly three years of work by WAMBA, WestCycle, the mountain bike community, Department of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) and Department of Sport and Recreation (DSR).

The Strategy identifies and targets five core objectives to deliver its vision:

• Planning and Governance
• Participation
• Trails, Facilities and Infrastructure
• Tourism and Marketing
• Resourcing

This is an extremely exciting phase, as it will lead to more trails on the ground, stimulate the growth of a vibrant mountain biking community and increase tourism opportunities across the regions.

WAMBA advocates for partnerships between community groups, government, local business and the corporate sector to support the growth of mountain biking. 

WestCycle calls on Western Australians to become involved in one of the State’s fastest growing activities. Ongoing funding and sustained focus will be required to fully realise the Strategy’s vision for mountain biking and the tremendous opportunities that are on our doorstep. 

A consultation draft of the Strategy was released in October 2014 seeking public comments. Submissions were received from 35 organisations and individuals. All comments were reviewed and taken into account during the finalisation of the Strategy. A copy of the Strategy, as well as the responses and actions to the public consultation comments can be downloaded here:

• Western Australian Mountain Bike Strategy 2015-2020
• Responses and Actions to Public Consultation Comments

In case you missed all the action lately, two HUGE mountain biking events have successfully engaged our local communities more than ever. On the more extreme end of the sport, the John Hughes Slopestyle kicked off in April this year for the first time in the Town of Victoria Park, and a month later, the City of Albany was home to its second Albany Urban Downhill.

WAMBA President, Louise Wallace had a brief chat with HotFM 95.3 down in Albany - here's the clip.

For all the latest news on mountain biking around the state, make sure you're signed up to our newsletter or check out our website.

Following the WAMBA Junior State Team's success (read all about it in Yuliang Seow's Race Report in our latest Newsletter) at the National XCO & DHI Championships in Bright this year, we are already planning for 2016.

Thanks to the efforts of some extremely dedicated and organised parents, the state team was pulled together very quickly in time for the nationals this year. So we want to have a more relaxed and organised approach next year.

If you are a parent of a junior and would be interested in being part of the organisation of the team, our new Junior Development Coordinator, Graeme 'Grizzly' Adams would like to hear from you!