A network of new mountain bike tracks, cyclo-cross circuits, pump tracks and off-road trails have been earmarked under Brisbane Council’s draft off-road cycling strategy.
Developed in response to growing demand for off-road cycling, the council strategy will guide the future delivery of off-road facilities for children, adults and families within at least 48 bushland reserves and parks.
The recent high demand for off-road facilities has led to an increase in unauthorised track construction in the bushland around Brisbane.
Council hopes that by providing a network of well-planned off-road trails, critical wildlife habitats will be protected and the environmental risks of unauthorised off-road cycling will be reduced.
Eight principles guide the strategy including: sustainability, diversity, diligent planning, accessibility, optimal use of facilities, safety and mitigating risk and education and engagement.
In 2019, Brisbane City Council undertook an online survey and face-to-face community engagement to gather information, ideas and views to help shape the strategy and identify the parks best suited for riding tracks.
The draft strategy identifies 48 short-term opportunities that may be investigated, designed and delivered in the next five years and another 38 long-term opportunities that may be delivered following the planning and delivery of the short-term projects.
Proposals include new mountain bike trails at Karawatha Forest Park and Toohey Forest, a skills track, dirt jumps or pump track added to Bill Brown Sports Reserve at Fitzgibbon and the possibility of off-road cycling on shared paths or fire tracks at Mt Gravatt Outlook Reserve.
For the full list and maps of proposed off-road facilities, please check out the draft strategy.
Council is seeking community feedback on the draft strategy for future off-road cycling opportunities and facilities around Brisbane until 28 February 2021. The strategy will be finalized and released in mid-late 2021.