Chapter Five

Cycling the Way

• Compromises the safety of bush walkers;
• Increases track/soil erosion, leading to siltation of watercourses;
• Fragments and destroys ecological communities, spreads weed seeds; and
• Is an ongoing drain on limited maintenance resources.

6. That a regional strategy be developed to provide opportunities for cycling experiences that also: identifies the type of cycling experience appropriate to particular tracks; incorporates protocols for the use of shared trails; and incorporates legislative controls against unauthorised use of trails and inappropriate conduct on shared trails.

3. User groups are invited to participate in the design of routes of varying degrees of difficulty and danger, in consultation with Police, landowners and managers. Liability issues must be addressed.

4. Track modifications such as boardwalks and ramps to be installed to minimise surface damage. Measures to protect significant trees, landforms and vegetation communities; and silt traps installed to protect watercourses.

5. Boundaries of the park must be clearly marked on ground and on map display boards at the entrance to the trail. Well-designed entrance points need to include parking, clear signage and educational material, and code of conduct for park users. Official bike clubs to contribute to policing of the park and liaising with land managers.

New Zealand and Canada already have such purpose-built parks. For example cycle parks in Whistler, British Columbia have been designed to strict environmental standards respecting ecological integrity.

1. Track planning and construction
2. Track management
3. Track users code of conduct.

1. Planning and Construction

• Restrict new bicycle paths to non-bushland areas.

• No construction of bicycle paths through or adjacent to any Endangered Ecological Community.

• No construction of bicycle paths in linear reserves in or adjacent to remnant bushland areas where construction of a path and associated landscaping will compromise ecological values.

• Where bicycle paths are adjacent to bushland, all potential impacts must be taken into account, including landscaping, noise, scent, litter and light, and the paths must be made impact neutral.

• The creation of on-road bicycle friendly or alongside road shared routes near to bushland with points of access to the bushland to encourage cyclists to travel to those areas.

• The provision of bicycle storage facilities (racks) at access points to bushland walking tracks.

• Land managers such as Councils, to manage cycling activities so that there is minimal impact on the environment, natural and cultural heritage values.

• Managers to adopt a hierarchy of options for managing user conflicts beginning with the most preferred option - informative signage, to least preferred - close the area to cyclists altogether.

• Option 1 - develop signage and literature promoting appropriate track use protocols - e.g. Kai'mia Code (see below). Display Panels and brochures to present good maps to show tracks that are shared, where cycling is permitted and which are walking only tracks. (Refer to "Family of Signs")

• Option 2 - develop education programs targeted at those using bushland areas for informal cycling. Work with schools, colleges, youth groups, cycling clubs, walking clubs and Councils to educate cyclists and potential cyclists about low impact use and consideration for other users. Ensure that cyclists who care, but don't know the proper etiquette, have enough information to monitor themselves.

• If the more preferred options are failing, then patrolling the track, restrictions, separate routes for walkers and cyclists should be considered, with closing all tracks to cyclists as a last resort when all other efforts have proven ineffective.

• Managers to investigate provision of MTB parks - see above

• Ride on roads and management vehicle tracks only . Even roads are susceptible to damage when wet; they cannot be used when they are seasonally closed. Walking tracks are managed for walkers and are not available for use by bicycles.

• Respect the rights of others . Other track users have the same rights as you do, so let them go about their activities without interference. Keep speeds down to avoid frightening other users.

• Wear your helmet whenever you are cycling. It is required by law even on management trails.

• If you meet walkers , announce your presence, slow down, signal with sound (ring a bell or call a greeting) and give them right of way as you pass.

• Avoid skidding . Skidding damages tracks by removing the harder surface layer. This can lead to erosion. Cutting corners also causes erosion. Don't cut corners, stay on the track.

• Stay away from wet, muddy areas . Muddy areas are very prone to damage. The tracks you leave behind channel the water when it rains and this leads to erosion.

• Check before you leave . It is a good idea to check with local land managers to find out about track closures and fire regulations, limits on camping or other general information.

• Respect all flora and fauna and do not remove any Aboriginal artifact. Take your litter home with you.

• Let someone know before you go mountain bike riding. Tell them about your party, your route, when you plan to return and the equipment the party is carrying. Remember to contact them when you get back.

• Keep your party small (four to eight people). Large parties have more environmental impact, affect the experience of others and are harder to manage.

• In remote country where there are no toilet facilities, minimise your impact by taking a hand trowel for burying toilet wastes. Bury at least 100 metres away from watercourse.

• Carry enough drinking water for your trip.