Ingo Koernicke
File Ref: GR/10/147789
22 October 2010
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Ms Jenny Stokes
Cycling Policy and Mountain Biking Strategy Department of Environment and Climate
Change
HURSTVILLE BC NSW 1481
Dear Ms Stokes
NPWS Cycling Policy Review and Sustainable Mountain Biking Strategy
[In response, please quote File Ref: GR/10/147789]
Thank you for the opportunity to make comment on the NPWS Cycling Policy Review
and Sustainable Mountain Bike Strategy.
The NPWS review and strategy is a welcome and positive response to the growing
and varied demands of recreational cycling activity. Parks under the management of
the National Parks and Wildlife Service are major natural and cultural assets to the
community and it is vital therefore, that any measures considered by the NPWS that
support cycling activity in these parks do not compromise these attributes.
The growth in cycling activity in NPWS parks has many positive outcomes in terms of
community health, sustainability and appreciation of the parks core values. However,
this needs to be managed in a manner that best balances both environmental and
community demands. This will require the development and implementation of plans
of management by the NPWS that address the environmental complexity of its parks
and engage not only cyclists but the wider spectrum of park users.
It is important that not only environmental impacts but the safety of bike riders and
reducing potential conflict with other users of the track and trail network are given high
priority. Well designed tracks and inclusion of measures such as one way loops,
education and signage for riders and walkers are all supported.
Reliance on volunteer work to help construct and maintain facilities is however,
considered a major weakness of the strategy and appropriate resources should be
provided to the NPWS to ensure facilities are consistently and regularly maintained.
To do otherwise may limit and compromise safety and have an adverse impact on
park visitations and the environment.
Opportunities to accommodate a range of mountain bike styles from a regional
perspective should be included in the NPWS strategy and policy and, where possible
-2- 22 October 2010
be part of a broader cycling strategy / partnership that is linked to Local and State
Government initiatives. The development of regional BMX, downhill and free riding
facilities on private or other government owned land for example, would complement
the actions undertaken by NPWS, help distribute facilities and demand pressures and
minimise impacts on the environment.
From a policy perspective the NPWS should also include cyclists that use the road
network through National Parks where safety and potential conflict with motor vehicles
is heightened by road conditions and lack of bike lanes or suitable road shoulders.
Should you have any queries concerning the above please do not hesitate to call me
on 9710 0624
Yours faithfully
Ingo Koernicke
Senior Environmental Scientist
for J W Rayner
General Manager
Please reply to: General Manager PHONE (02) 9710 0333 DX4511 SUTHERLAND
LOCKED BAG 17 SUTHERLAND NSW 1499 AUSTRALIA ABN 52 018 204 808 ADMINISTRATION FAX: (02) 9710 0265