The 24 priority locations identified in the Perth and Peel Mountain Bike Master Plan, prepared by West Cycle and currently out for community consultation, include sites in Cockburn and Melville.
Manning Reserve in Hamilton Hill was highlighted as Cockburn’s prime location for a trail.
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West Cycle mountain bike manager Peta Demidenko said Manning Park could provide a coastal mountain biking experience with spectacular views across the ocean. It had facilities such as parking and picnic areas.
“Not only will it provide the local community access to a fantastic local leisure activity for the whole family, it will also provide an opportunity to capture the cycle tourist wanting to branch out and explore more of the Perth and Peel regions whilst riding a mountain bike,” she said.
It is not the first time a mountain bike trail has been considered for Manning Park, with the City of Cockburn previously commissioning a mountain bike feasibility study for the area.
Recreation and community safety manager Rob Avard said the study was on hold until the Perth Peel Mountain Bike Strategy had been finalised.
He said the City had received numerous inquiries about the possibility of developing mountain bike trails at Manning Park.
“A determination will be made by council as to whether Manning Park can accommodate a trail network once the feasibility study is finalised,” he said.
“The City is also developing a master plan for Manning Park.
“This plan will also make |recommendations in terms of future uses in the park based on comprehensive community consultation.”
Three locations within the City of Melville – Point Walter Reserve, the Swan Estuary Marine Park foreshore and Len Shearer Reserve – were identified in the 115-page document, prompted by demand for new facilities.
“The City of Melville is already a popular cycling route connecting Perth city to Fremantle,” Ms Demidenko said.
“With its river views and existing facilities, a local community recreation resource would provide families with the opportunity to experience mountain biking within their own backyard.”
While the priority sites are aspirational only and are yet to be subject to detailed assessment, there appears to be demand for new infrastructure, with about 75 per cent of the existing trails used by mountain bikers in the Perth and Peel region being unsanctioned courses.
More than 120,000 mountain bikes are purchased in the state annually.
Public comment on the draft plan closes January 24.
To view the plan and comment, visit www.westcycle.org.au.
Priority locations for trails identified in the Perth and Peel Mountain Bike Master Plan (by location, significance, priority and recommended trail size) – Perth Hills Precinct: National (significance), High (priority), 120km (recommended trail size). Dwellingup Trail Hub: National, High, 80km. Wungong Trail Centre: National, High, 80km. Swan Valley: Regional (significance), Moderate (priority), 30km (recommended trail size). Jarrahdale Trail Hub: Regional, Moderate, 30km. Yanchep: Regional, Moderate, 30km. Perth: Local (significance) High (priority), 10km (recommended trail size). Joondalup: Local, Moderate, 20km. Cockburn: Local, Moderate, 10km. Rottnest: Local, Moderate, 10km. Avon: Local, Moderate, 20km. Yalgorup: Local, Moderate, 20km. West Coast: Local, Moderate, 10km. Chidlow: Local, Low, 15km. Sunset Coast: Local, Low, 10km. Rockingham: Local, Low, 10km. Boddington: Local, Low, 15km. Canning: Local, Low, 5km. Kwinana: Local, Low, 10km. Perth Eastern: Local, Low, 10km. Melville: Local, Low, 5km. Wanneroo: Local, Low, 5km. Gosnells: Local, Low, 10km. Mandurah: Local, Low, 10km.