Riders to help shape new Surf Coast Shire bike park

SURF Coast Shire councillors have endorsed a plan that will give local bike riders the chance to design, create and maintain their own facility in Jan Juc.

During last week’s meeting councillors resolved to work with a community-led design for the upgrades at the Bob Pettitt Reserve Bike Park, despite some safety concerns.

Young riders joined members of the Surf Coast Mountain Bike Club and Anglesea Bike Park Committee in preparing the final design.

A local contractor will be engaged to do the site work with oversight and support of community volunteers. Councillor and former member of the Anglesea Bike Park Community Asset Committee, Mike Bodsworth, said a community-led approach would have many benefits.

“When riders have a say in the design, we can be more confident the bike park will be valued and meet the needs of the local riding community, as opposed to a bike park that isn’t sufficiently challenging, which can soon lose its appeal,” he said.

“If the new design meets people’s needs, we are much less likely to see examples of unsanctioned rider-built jumps springing up in other locations,” Mr Bodsworth said.

During the meeting councillor Heather Wellington said she “loved the idea” of allowing community members to take ownership of the upgrades, but was concerned over a lack of credentials.

“I have no credibility or expertise and I would be looking for endorsement from people who have defined credentials,” she said. Council has imposed rules such as no jumps with gaps, jump height limited to 1.3m, jump lines to be clear and separate, ride testing to be carried out throughout construction, advisory signage on site and ongoing monitoring and maintenance.

The new design will also incorporate tree planting.