Staged approach recommended for local mountain bike trails
Published on 28 June 2021
A feasibility study into the development of mountain bike trails in Singleton has recommended two sites be developed in a staged approach to provide facilities for local riders.
The Singleton Mountain Bike Feasibility Study was developed based on investigations and input from riders on three potential sites including Bridgman Road, Pioneer Road and Fern Gully Road.
The document is now on public exhibition for feedback until 30 July 2021, and two drop-in information sessions will be held for interested members of the community to discuss the document with Council staff, subject to NSW Health orders and restrictions, on:
• Thursday 8 July at Allan Bull Reserve from 10am to 11am; or
• Thursday 15 July at Singleton Public Library from 5.30pm to 6.30pm.
The Study ruled out Fern Gully – the smallest scale site – largely because it had the lowest level of community support because of its proximity to the Singleton Waste Management Facility.
Justin Fitzpatrick-Barr, Council’s Director Infrastructure and Planning, said the document recommended both Pioneer Road and Bridgman Road be developed in a staged approach to complement the existing mountain bike facility on Crown land at Maison Dieu to cater to all levels of riders.
“The Study recommended two 10km cross country trails be developed, the first at the Pioneer Road site to focus on intermediate to advanced riders in a one to two year timeframe, and the second on Bridgman Road with a focus on beginner to intermediate riders over a two to five year timeframe,” he said.
“After ruling out Fern Gully Road, the assessment of the sites found Pioneer Road already had existing mountain bike trails and was ideal for the development of features with greater impact.
“The 51ha site at Bridgman Road is reasonably close to a skate park which has existing toilets, and the land next to the skate park could be a potential site for a future pump track – a one to three metre wide track that can be used for bicycles, skateboards, inline skates and scooter riders to practice skills on a series of features.
“This site also had the greatest potential to hold small-scale mountain biking events potentially benefiting our local economy.”
The Study estimated the cost of developing both sites at $930,000, with an ongoing annual maintenance budget of $20,000.
Mr Fitzpatrick-Barr said the next steps were to hear from the community before deciding if to proceed to detailed design and funding options.
“What we’re looking for from the community is whether our local mountain biking community agrees with the recommendations from the Study, and importantly to hear from non-mountain bike riders whether they think this is a good use for these sites,” he said.
“The full Singleton Mountain Bike Feasibility Study is available on Council’s website at singleton.nsw.gov.au by clicking On Exhibition, and everyone is welcome to come along to one of two drop-in sessions to talk directly to Council staff if you have any questions or comments you’d like to discuss.”
ENDS