The inaugural 2024 MTB Symposium in Merimbula brought together experts, industry leaders, and stakeholders to discuss the rapid evolution of mountain biking, its economic contributions, emerging challenges, and long-term sustainability. TRC Consultants, Senior Consultant Chris Rose and Trails Consultant Jo Larkin, attended the event, with Chris also presenting on “Planning for the Growth and Future Success of Mountain Biking in Australia.” Key topics included the growth of e-bike usage, the economic impact of cycle tourism, the pressing need for better trail management, and the importance of collaboration across all sectors.

E-bikes: A Game Changer
One of the standout themes of the symposium was the explosion in e-bike sales. From just 9,000 e-bikes sold in 2017, the market grew to nearly 200,000 units in 2022. E-bikes now account for about 50% of all bike sales in Australia, with predictions suggesting that within a decade, e-bikes could represent up to 90% of all bike sales. This surge in popularity has made mountain biking more accessible, especially for older riders or those with mobility challenges, enabling them to explore further, ride longer, and engage with more technical trails.

However, with the rise of e-bikes comes new challenges. The growing number of e-bike riders has led to an increase in people riding in unfamiliar and sometimes risky terrain, raising concerns about safety. Additionally, the inconsistency in e-bike regulations across different Australian states has created confusion. Some e-bikes, while meeting federal standards, do not align with state regulations, making enforcement difficult and increasing legal and safety risks. E-bike battery fires have also been flagged as a potential risk for accommodation providers and insurers, adding to the complexity of managing the growing market.

Economic Impact and Cycle Tourism
Mountain biking is increasingly becoming a major contributor to regional economies. In New South Wales alone, cycle tourism contributes a staggering $1.9 billion to the economy, with $215 million of that coming from regional areas. This economic impact is not only felt in tourism, but also in local businesses, including accommodation providers, retailers, and restaurants, as mountain bikers tend to stay longer and spend more during their trips.

For example, Tasmania has emerged as a particularly strong hub for cycling tourism, with its bike parks and trails drawing riders from across Australia and the globe. Despite having only 2% of the national population, Tasmania accounts for 10% of Australian cycling tourism. The state’s bike parks, like Blue Derby, have proven highly successful, with the $3 million investment in trails generating $30 million in economic benefits – a 10x return on investment. Other destinations like Eden are seeing similar benefits from well-developed bike infrastructure.

Events like Crankworx Cairns also play a significant role in driving tourism. These large-scale events raise the profile of the sport and attract participants and spectators from around the world, benefiting the local economy and bringing international attention to Australia’s world-class trails.

Sustainability and Trail Maintenance
A key theme of the symposium was the growing focus on sustainability in mountain biking. While the initial emphasis was on building new trails, industry experts agree that the future lies in maintaining and improving existing networks. Currently, volunteer clubs play a crucial role in managing and maintaining trails, with many dedicating hundreds of hours each year to keep trails functional and safe. However, as demand for trails continues to increase, the reliance on volunteer labour is becoming unsustainable.

Effective trail maintenance requires long-term investment, but funding is often harder to secure than the capital needed to build new infrastructure. As a result, some trail networks may face the risk of underutilisation or even closure if maintenance is not prioritised. A balanced approach is necessary to manage this growth, with stakeholders advocating for better governance models, new funding mechanisms (including user fees and sponsorships), and more collaboration between local governments, tourism boards, and trail organisations.

Innovative ideas such as incorporating adaptive trails for riders with disabilities and promoting women’s riding initiatives are crucial to diversifying participation and ensuring inclusivity in the sport. As more riders, particularly women, take up mountain biking, maintaining a diverse and welcoming trail network becomes even more important.

The Need for Data-Driven Decision Making
Reliable data is crucial to shaping future policies and funding decisions in the mountain biking sector. The symposium highlighted the importance of improving data collection, especially in the tourism and risk management sectors. While Australia has seen impressive growth in mountain biking participation – with over 647,000 adults and more than 107,000 children riding in 2023 – there remain inconsistencies in how data is collected, which can lead to gaps in understanding the true scale of the industry.

One of the key developments discussed was the shift toward using mobile phone data to track tourism patterns, giving a more accurate picture of regional demand. However, challenges such as “black spots” where data collection is limited still exist. International collaboration with other mountain biking regions, such as Canada and Europe, could help improve data accuracy and provide a more comprehensive understanding of injury rates, participation trends, and trail use.

Volunteer Challenges and Trail Management
While volunteers are essential to managing trails, the burden placed on them is unsustainable. One in four clubs struggles to apply standard risk frameworks, and many do not receive sufficient support for their maintenance work. Over 800 hours of volunteer labour are dedicated to trail maintenance annually, but without additional resources or a sustainable model for funding, the ability to keep these trails safe and appealing is at risk.

Governance is a critical factor in addressing these issues. The symposium emphasised the importance of a collaborative approach between government, local communities, tourism operators, and the mountain biking industry to develop effective policies and funding mechanisms. These partnerships are essential to ensuring that trail networks are maintained for the long term and that they remain accessible to all riders.

Balancing Trail Design and Risk Management
The symposium also addressed the importance of balancing trail design with risk management. As the popularity of mountain biking grows, it is crucial that trails are designed to accommodate different skill levels and provide safe, enjoyable experiences. Clear signage, appropriate infrastructure (like hydration points and accessible toilets), and effective risk management strategies are all essential elements to reduce accidents and improve the rider experience.

The industry also faces significant challenges in insurance and liability, as data on mountain biking injuries is often sparse or unreliable. Without accurate injury data, insurers have difficulty assessing risk, leading to higher premiums and limited coverage. Experts recommend implementing more robust data collection systems, including trail counters and collaboration with the ski industry, which already tracks injury rates, to provide more accurate insights into the risks associated with mountain biking.

Looking Ahead
The future of mountain biking in Australia looks bright, but it requires careful planning, collaboration, and ongoing investment. As the sport continues to grow, stakeholders must focus on sustainability, effective trail management, and inclusivity to ensure that mountain biking remains a viable and rewarding activity for all Australians. By adopting a holistic approach that incorporates environmental, cultural, and economic considerations, Australia’s mountain biking community can continue to thrive and drive positive change for both riders and the regions they visit.