Submit!!!!

Forums have been busy lately with talk regarding the discussion paper released by

NSW Parks, along with the much commented upon newspaper article that appeared in

the Sydney Morning Herald.

Whilst the inevitable anti-bike comments have, as expected, come from certain other

user groups, largely focussed on the same tired and discredited arguments of plant

disease spread, loss of native flora and fauna, and the ever lingering fear these groups

have of a potential collision with a rabid and reckless MTBer, it was actually more

interesting to read the comments from within the MTB community about the

disappointment at the scope of the plan and, particularly, the lack of gravity-based

facilities offered.

On the one hand, I can understand that. Gravity based trails for DH and 4X are

certainly needed just as much as XC trails are – and given that Australia has the

current World Champion in men’s and junior men’s DH, the World Champion in

women’s 4X and the World Cup Overall winner in men’s 4X, it does seem strange

that there has not been more of an embrace of such facilities for the next generation to

train upon. But it must also be remembered also that parks are, ultimately, about

conservation first and foremost and recreation second, third or fourth behind.

Furthermore, the Parks services are looking to attract more visitors – and like it or not,

easier, XC type trails are attractive to a greater audience than DH trails are.

However, having the opportunities that have been presented are hugely positive and a

step in the right direction, so I urge everyone to get behind the push to open up trails

in parks – whatever type and however much or little of it – to MTBers. Having the

chance to work with park rangers and, perhaps more importantly, other user groups,

will hopefully go a long way to proving that we are not the reckless environment

destroyers that some may try to paint us as; especially when we are no longer a ‘group

of them’, but rather Tom, or Bob, or Jane, who get out in the parks and look after

them, too. So, even if solely Downhill is your thing, please support the idea and push

in the positive direction of access; by all means include within your commentary that

DH trails are also wanted – needed even! – and that they can be built in a sustainable

way, but make sure that you make a comment before the approaching deadlines; don’t

procrastinate (this isn’t school work after all!!) in doing so, as we all need to support

the plans and get our foot in the door. After all, if we don’t, who knows how long we

will have to wait until we get another opportunity? Remember, the Anti-MTB groups

will definitely comment, so we must too.

Everyone who thinks of themselves as an MTBer should support these sorts of plans.

If you live interstate, you should still read and make a submission. You may currently

have no plans to ride in the areas which these plans encompass, but you may one day,

should the access be granted. However, perhaps more importantly is the chance to

create the domino effect across the nation. Karma may just repay you for helping your

MTB brethren interstate by encouraging your local landowners to look more

favourably upon your local requests for access. After all, presenting examples of

positive access and shared use is one thing, but showing how it works, comparatively

just around the corner, is a much more emphatic example. And, it removes any of the

notions of differing cultural values and historical usage of the parks, reserves and

trails within them, which can be associated with examples from overseas.

So now is the time to do it; the link to the NSW plan is below. Click through, read the

plan and make a MTB positive submission in relation them. Many of the online

forums have further links to useful resources that relate to the plan and discussions

about the points raised within it. Nic Bowman, National director of IMBA-Au, has

already thrown up some very concise points to consider, which have been thrashed

out in collaboration with prominent, local advocates, on the IMBA-Au site.

“But I don’t have time to read all that and make a submission…” Well, I’ll say it

again then; better find time to put the bike on eBay and get rid of it, because no

submissions will mean ‘no access’. I can bet you that those folks trying to keep MTBs

out of our – as in everyone in the whole nation, not just a select few! – parks, will be

making submissions. If it really, seriously, is too much to read the whole plan, make

sure you submit at least a one sentence, MTB positive response.

“I support the responsible use of sustainable trails by bicycle, in accordance

with the plan”

Even a cut and paste of the above will suffice if it really is that difficult; in fact, if

every MTBer did this alone, by sheer weight of numbers, it would prove virtually

impossible for access to be restricted in the manner that it currently is; Pollies get their act together when mass groups speak out afterall. If you can spare a few hours though, read the plan and make your own comments.

A few pointers to consider before you start any submission:

- Have a pen and paper handy; note chapter, section, page number of any

particular comments you wish to reference.

- Make sure you stay positive and constructive; you don’t have to, and

probably won’t, agree with everything in the reports but stay constructive

and positive in your approach. No one enjoys criticism, so try to avoid

doing so in a negative manner.

- If you disagree with something, give a referable source to back up your

claims; stating that other users are just full of it is not helpful (even if

occasionally true!)

- Most importantly, read and follow any specific submission guidelines

that are given; It is a terrible waste if your submission is not included due

to this – and every submission counts.

So, if you haven’t made a submission already, do it now; you may help get us all

some more trails to ride.

**The NSW submission deadline has now expired. Let's hope MTBers get a positive result!!!**