A draft plan for an expanded mountain bike network on kunanyi / Mount Wellington has been released, providing a blueprint for future mountain bike infrastructure.
The City of Hobart's Draft Mountain Bike Network Plan identifies and prioritises proposed future tracks through the foothills of the mountain.
Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds invited members of the community to have their say on the plan, which would be implemented in stages.
"We know there are many people who are missing their regular mountain rides or walks right now," Cr Reynolds said. "But while we can't currently access Wellington Park, it's a great time to be thinking about how we can enhance the experience of riders in the future.
"We've worked closely with leading mountain bike trail consultants Dirt Art and regular mountain users to design tracks to meet the future needs of locals, and also attract visitors to our city.
"We expect mountain biking and other eco-tourism activities to play an enormous role in the economic recovery of our city and region."
In total, up to 47 kilometres of proposed tracks have been designed to meet the needs of riders without causing conflict between different user groups. They would provide safe, high-quality mountain bike riding, with a mix of distances, technical challenges and different styles of riding.
"The design is also sensitive to the mountain's environmental, historical and cultural values," Cr Reynolds said.
Currently, kunanyi / Mount Wellington has almost 80km of walking tracks, but just 3km of tracks that are specifically for mountain bike use.
A recent survey of track users revealed that 83 per cent of respondents supported the provision of new mountain bike tracks on the mountain; and 72 per cent preferred separated tracks – that is, tracks built specifically for either mountain bike riding or walking and running.
"These plans for new mountain bike tracks on the mountain would create a unique experience for local and visiting mountain biker riders, and balance out the mix of tracks on the mountain," Cr Reynolds said.
A $387,000 grant through the Tasmanian Government's Cycle Tourism Fund has been committed toward the first stage of implementation. The timing of future works will be dependent on the City securing further external funding.
To view the draft plan and have your say, visit yoursay.hobartcity.com.au/riding-the-mountain.
