Mountain biking takes crucial step forward with Victorian strategy

AusCycling has taken a major step towards unifying the mountain biking landscape in Victoria by unveiling the first Victorian Mountain Bike Strategy.

The strategy, detailed in a 123-page document published today, will guide the development of MTB riding across the state.

A coordinated, whole-of-government approach is foremost among 31 recommendations for getting more people riding, creating the right facilities, and maximising the sport’s economic potential in Victoria.

The strategy also includes recommendations to:

• build and upgrade trails and infrastructure in high-priority areas through regional master plans;
• cater for all users by improving the diversity of trail types and bike parks;
• create a central portal of trail networks and tourism information;
• record and use participation data and trail information in a coordinated way; and
• support Ride Nation Schools in efforts to introduce young people and people from diverse backgrounds to mountain biking.

AusCycling received funding from Sport and Recreation Victoria to commission Common Ground Trails to devise the strategy. The authors consulted local councils, state government departments and MTB clubs, reviewed trail supply and participation rates, and conducted online rider surveys.

“Until now, mountain biking in Victoria has been managed in different ways across the state. There hasn’t been one unified, strategic approach that would unlock its full potential,” said Nick Hannan, AusCycling’s Executive General Manager of Government Strategy.

“On a day-to-day level, for example, if you want to build a trail or run an event, you might need to obtain approvals from multiple levels of government and multiple departments, each with their own procedures and standards. It can be a frustrating process.

“This strategy provides a way for us to start addressing these problems, so it’s a big step towards making Victoria an envied destination for MTB, meeting local demand for places to ride, and getting a bigger slice of tourism for Victoria’s regions.

“It’s not a silver bullet, but the strategy shows the Victoria Government’s commitment to delivering a high-quality and sustainable mountain biking experience for all Victorians. AusCycling looks forward to jointly taking the next steps with government towards making it a reality.”

Click to download the 2021 Victorian Mountain Bike Strategy.