As demand for cycling experiences in national parks grows, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has launched a new cycling strategy.
Acting Deputy Secretary and Head of Parks at NPWS, Naomi Stephens said the new NPWS Cycling Strategy provided a framework to guide park managers across the State.
“This new NPWS Cycling strategy offers sustainable cycling opportunities for visitors, while conserving cultural heritage and wildlife values,” Ms Stephens said.
“Just like riding a bike, it’s all about balance – not all cycling activities will be appropriate in all national parks, and unauthorised tracks can be unsafe or unsustainable,” she said.
“Cycling, including mountain biking, can raise awareness and appreciation of nature.”
Ms Stephens said however that unauthorised tracks had a devastating impact on the natural and cultural values of the State’s parks, with damage including soil degradation and loss due to erosion, impacts on waterways, and removal of vegetation.
She said NPWS managed or co-managed 890 parks covering more than nine per cent of NSW, and under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, it must protect natural and cultural heritage on all parks estate.
“The new Strategy provides for better management of existing and future cycling experiences in our national parks, including single-track rides, technical features, road cycling, cycle paths and more than 30,000 kilometres of shared-use management trails,” the Acting Deputy Secretary said.
“The Strategy provides a framework to balance conservation of priceless national parks with the community’s desire to spend time cycling in them,” she said.
“National parks managers will now have guidelines to improve sustainable cycling experiences and manage unauthorised tracks in consultation with stakeholders, while fulfilling legal requirements to protect our natural and cultural heritage.”
Ms Stephens said seven objectives underpinned the new Strategy, aiming to protect and conserve park values; support community wellbeing and connection to nature; improve accessibility; and deliver coordinated and collaborative planning.
She said the Strategy’s objectives also aimed to engage effectively with the community; promote nature tourism and enhance the visitor economy; and provide effective management and resourcing.
NPWS’s 20-page Strategy can be accessed at this PS News link.
