Social, Cultural and Community Services 17.04
Mountain Bike Policy
PURPOSE
This policy sets out Council’s position on Mountain Bike Riding in selected trails in selected reserves in the City of Mitcham and was developed having consideration to the following:
The variety of disciplines of mountain biking; The validity of MTB riding as a healthy recreational activity; The environment in which MTB riding takes place; The potential social and environmental conflicts; The implications of unsociable behaviour and inappropriate MTB riding within Council reserves; Trail Classifications that designate trail difficulty, required skills and fitness levels; MTB Trail Design Standards.
DEFINITIONS
Mountain bike culture has a number of specialist terms and a variety of disciplines. The following are some that are understood and used by Council.
Cross Country Riding (Trail Riding) Cycling on mountain bike trails designed with a variety of off-road experiences including hill climbs, fire trails and single-track on natural surfaces but not on sealed paths or roads. Cross Country riding is undertaken for recreational and sporting purposes. It is a self reliant means for cyclists to access and experience the natural environment.
Dirt Jumps (Dirt jumping – DJ) Jumps constructed of soil for performing aerial stunts and manoeuvres. Similar to dirt BMX tracks but designed for use by MTBs.
Downhill Riding (DH) Riding a steep descent that challenges a rider’s skills. Downhill trails usually include obstacles, jumps and ‘drop-offs’. "To downhill" is to descend a downhill trail. Downhill riding is usually performed on specifically designed bikes (typically with long travel front and/or rear suspension and disc brakes) for bikes to travel down steep and technical terrains. These bikes are not designed to ride up hill and therefore their riders normally take transport to the start of their descent.
Fire Track (Fire-Trail Double-Track) A dirt road generally designed and used by four-wheeled vehicles usually for maintenance or for fire fighting.
Four Cross (4X Mountain X Biker X) A form of MTB riding involving four riders racing over a short downhill BMX style course.
Free Riding (North Shore) A technical form of MTB riding involving challenges such as rocks, logs, elevated bridges, dirt jumps, drop offs and other man made structures. Riders to perform manoeuvres, tricks and jumps over and around obstacles (both natural and constructed).
City of Mitcham Policy Manual
Document Set ID: 239316 Version: 2, Version Date: 26/11/2019 Social, Cultural and Community Services 17.04
IMBA International Mountain Biking Association. An organisation for trail advocacy and development of trail building standards “Trail Solutions”.
MTB The activity of MounTain Biking. Or a mountain bike itself. v. "MTBing.
Single Track (XC Trail - Contour Trail - MTB Trail) A MTB trail just wide enough for one person or bike – highly desired by MTBers. Contrast with fire track.
PRINCIPLES
Council recognises and acknowledges that: 1. MTB riding is a valued and popular activity that brings many social and economic benefits to participants and the community; 2. MTB riding is a suitable activity to occur on selected trails in selected Council reserves subject to appropriate social and environmental conditions; 3. Council will retain its ability to apply and enforce By-laws to prevent inappropriate and unauthorised MTB riding outside of areas and trails that are set aside for riding; 4. Approval of recreational uses including MTB riding in Council reserves is contingent upon the activity having minimal impact upon other users, residents and the environment including the sensitive natural vegetation and biodiversity within Council reserves; 5. Council’s recreational trail network will be designed to contain a range of trail types to provide both shared and single use trails to provide for walking, cycling and horse riding; 6. Council’s recreational trails form part of a larger network of trails across a range of public and private land. Council will aim to integrate and coordinate its trail initiatives with those of other land managers; and 7. Existing trails in Council reserves which are not sustainability designed and constructed and maintained will require modification and/or closure.
POLICY STATEMENT
Council supports the provision of recreational trails and areas for MTB riding. Any development and management of trails and areas will be subject to:
Consistency with Council’s MTB Strategy 2006; Appropriate risk assessment and management actions; Sustainable trail design and protection of natural vegetation and biodiversity; Availability of resources for the sustainable provision and management of MTB trails, areas and facilities; High levels of community support ; and Responsible MTB riding practices. Consistency with current best practice guidelines and standards including: . The SA MTB Trail classifications standards; and . IMBA’s trail design standards “Trail Solutions”: and . The MTB Code of Practice.
City of Mitcham Policy Manual
Document Set ID: 239316 Version: 2, Version Date: 26/11/2019 Social, Cultural and Community Services 17.04 Mountain Bike Policy
POLICY REVIEW
This Policy will be subject to review every four (4) years or sooner at the discretion of the relevant General Manager.
The CEO has delegated authority to endorse any amendments to the Policy that do not vary the intent of the policy.
RESPONSIBLE POSITION/DEPARTMENT
Community Services with support from Environmental and Legal Services.
ADDITIONAL CROSS REFERENCES
The Road Traffic Act 1961. Section 359 of the Local Government Act 1934 (vehicles excluded from Local Government Land) By-Law 3 – Local Government Land - made under the Local Government Act 1999 City of Mitcham Mountain Bike Strategy 2006 Council’s MTB Code of Practice
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC PLAN
1.4 Recreational facilities and opportunities that meet the community’s needs
1.4.6 Plan for effective management of emerging recreation trends.
DOCUMENT ID
239316
Key Words: Mountain Bike, Bicycle, Cycling, Trails, Cross Country, Downhill, Riding
COMMITTEE: Corporate and Community Services, 7 May 2007
ADOPTED BY COUNCIL: 22 May 2007
UPDATED:
FOR REVIEW:
VERSION AUTHOR(S) POSITION CHANGES DATE Corporate and Community 1 New Policy 7 May 2007 Services Refer to Full Council 2 Governance Officer Resolution 12 November 12 November 2019 2019 Item 9.4
City of Mitcham Policy Manual
Document Set ID: 239316 Version: 2, Version Date: 26/11/2019 Mountain Bike Policy Social, Cultural and Community Services 17.04
City of Mitcham Policy Manual
Document Set ID: 239316 Version: 2, Version Date: 26/11/2019