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Australian Alps national parks Cycling Code


Rob's picture

By Rob - Posted on 17 June 2009

I know we've been talking about this a lot recently, but purely by chance my Google Alert (which I have set to look for various cycling related things on government sites) sent this just now:

http://www.australianalps.environment.gov.au/car...

This section is particularly unfriendly:

If cyclists are to continue to experience the pleasure of riding in relatively undisturbed areas, they will need to follow this code and limit the impact of their visit:

* Ride on roads and management vehicle tracks only – Even roads and tracks are particularly susceptible to damage when wet. They cannot be used when they are seasonally closed. Bicycles may not be used (even on managment tracks) in wilderness areas. Walking tracks are managed for walkers and are not available for use by bicycles.

Ie. Do the right thing or you will loose what little access you have. You are not allowed to ride where we drive our 4WD vehicles and we don't mind building trails for walkers, but bike riders will not receive the same treatment.

Morgan's picture

Here's the paragraph from our NPWS mates on the above website relating to bushwalkers and wet tracks:

Stay on the track even if it's rough and muddy – Walking on the track edges and cutting corners on steep 'zigzag' tracks increase damage, erosion and visual scarring, as well as causing confusion about which is the right track.

And here's what Mountainbikers see about the same subject on their page:

Stay away from wet, muddy areas – Muddy areas are very prone to damage. The tracks you leave behind channel the water when it rains and this leads to erosion.

BUSHWALKERS = YOU'RE OK TO GO CONTINUE ALONG THE MUDDY TRACK.

MOUNTAINBIKERS = YOU HAVE TO TURN ROUND AND GO HOME.

Don't get me wrong, I agree weighty solid things compressing wet soil causes problems, but it does so whether it's a solid boot or a solid tyre.

Oh, and I love the web address........

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