Mitcham cyclists call for back higher rates to develop mountain bike trail
Chair of the South Australian Mountain Biking Association Roger Coats rides on the Mitcham bike trails three times a week. He says the full implementation of the council's bike strategy would bring more people to the area. Source: News Limited
A BIKE trail through nine of Mitcham's reserves will result in tourism and health benefits, local cyclists and the CEO of BikeSA say.
Plans for the 40km track ,which includes sections for walking and horse riding, were developed in 2005 to counter people riding on illegal bike trails throughout the district.
So far, the council has only mapped, signposted and maintained a 10km section of the trail at Lynton Reserve, Windy Point.
Mitcham Council is consulting its residents as to whether they would prefer a 5 per cent or 5.25 per cent rate rise in 2013/14, with the higher rate - $71 for the average ratepayer - set to pay for the track as well as a stormwater plan.
BikeSA CEO Christian Haag said implementing the bike plan would help attract more tourists to Mitcham.
"We know that there is an increased demand for off-road mountain biking," Mr Haag said.
"Mitcham is the perfect place, right on the Hills Face Zone and convenient to the one million-plus residents of Adelaide.
"Cycle tourism contributes over $2.2 billion to the national economy each year and with the Tour Down Under in Adelaide the development proposed for Mitcham will be able to leverage the outcomes, not only for residents, but for visitors."
SA Mountain Biking Association chairman Roger Coats also welcomed the plans. "One of the many benefits of setting up these trails and getting signposting is it gets people off the roads," Mr Coats told the Mitcham & Hills Messenger.
"I think it will attract other (riders).
"We are starting to focus trails for mums and kids and people who want to try out mountain biking.
"It requires really well-designed tracks."
Ashley Campbell, from Mitcham and Unley Bicycle Users Group, said the track would encourage more people to get active.
"It's a great for young people in particular," Mr Campbell said.
"It's great to see them outside rather than glued to the screen.
"I think that will be very popular as it's so close to the city.
"I think a lot of cyclists would go for it."
Clarence Gardens cyclist Neil Murray also hoped the track would be developed.
"I think it would make it a lot better for cyclists," Mr Murray said.
"My understanding is there have been a lot of people using the free shuttles to take bikes up the hill.
"Having more and better tracks will make it more attractive for people to get up there and have some fun."
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