Pump up those tyres– the first stage of the Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Network is now open.
At around 20 kilometres long, the purpose-built trails cater for riders of all ages and abilities and provide riders the chance to cycle through the escarpment while also protecting its natural and cultural values.
All up 25 new trails have been unveiled including:
- 4 beginner trails (green)
- 13 intermediate trails (blue)
- 1 intermediate/hard trail (blue/black)
- 7 difficult trails (black)
Features along the trails include bridges, jumps, flyovers, berms and downhill runs.
"I know there are a lot of very passionate mountain bike riders in Wollongong who have been longing for the day they could legally ride through the escarpment on trails that respect the area's natural beauty and cultural importance while also providing an exhilarating rider challenge,'' Cr Brown said.
"This is the reality now, and Wollongong City Council is proud to have partnered with the NSW National Parks to deliver this important project.''
As part of the broader project, Council has provided carparking in Kembla Village to minimise the impact on residents and to support safe and accessible mountain bike riding experiences.
Minister for the Illawarra Ryan Park said he had long advocated for legal trails in the escarpment that balanced the community's desire to ride through this landscape with its broader significance.
"Our community has been advocating for this Illawarra Escarpment Mountain Bike Network for a long time, I'm absolutely thrilled to see stage one now open to the public,'' he said.
"These beautiful and thrilling bike trails will expand riding activities for locals and encourage visitors from all over the country to experience what our region has to offer.
"Thank you to Wollongong Council, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and the many community members and groups who have worked with us tirelessly in shaping this project."
Wollongong City Council's General Manager Greg Doyle said Council had invested significantly in a wide range of cycling infrastructure in recent years, and this long-term project was key to supporting a diversity of riding opportunities.
"We're proudly a UCI Bike City and part of the commitment we've made to our community is that we will look to facilitate and support different ways for people to get on their bikes,'' he said.
"While we know our range of on-road bike paths and upgrades to shared pathways along the foreshore areas are welcomed by residents, and our criterium track at Unanderra is well-used, we also know there's a passionate band of mountain bike riders who hit the trails at our award-winning Cringila Hills Mountain Bike Park regularly. This will give them a new challenge to explore.''
Following the opening of the new trails, the Lord Mayor encouraged riders to be mindful of others when out and about.
"Looking at this weekend's weather forecast, I'm sure there are people making plans to come and give the trails a go – and that's great,'' she said.
"We just ask people to their research before they ride – have a look on Trailforks app and make sure they're open and to pick the trail that aligns with their skills and ability. Be mindful there will be others using the trails and be sure to wear safety equipment.
"This is just the first stage of these trails, and we look forward to continuing the development of these trails with NSW National Parks over the coming months.''
