Bike riders and regional communities are on track to benefit from a NSW Nationals in the state government plan to boost regional tourism and grow adventure cycling experiences.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole has unveiled the Adventure Cycling Strategy to strengthen local economies and promote the regions as top tourist destinations for riding enthusiasts around the world.
"There's no need to pack your bag for Europe and tackle the climbs of the Tour De France or go off road in New Zealand. There are plenty of amazing sights to experience from your bike right here in NSW," Mr Toole said.
"We want regional NSW to be a global destination for adventure cyclists and this strategy is about ensuring we unleash that potential.
"In the past five years we've invested more than $30 million in tracks and trails across the State including significant projects in Thredbo, Mogo, Wagga Wagga and Narooma, that will bring more visitors to regional communities and puts more dollars in local tills."
An avid mountain bike rider, Nationals Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said the Adventure Cycling Strategy will focus on developing and creating awareness of new and existing tracks across regional NSW.
"Adventure Cycling is growing in popularity and what better way to spend time with family and friends while keeping fit and taking in the beautiful sights of our regional communities, just like the Coffs Coast," Mr Singh said.
"This plan will help strengthen local tourism and promote riding tracks and trails throughout the regions to riding enthusiasts from around the world."
The NSW Nationals in government are investing in adventure cycling projects across the state, including recent upgrades to the Wedding Bells Mountain Bike Trail Network at Woolgoolga.
Woolgoolga Mountain Bike Club President, Greg Stocks, says the project received funding under the NSW Government's Stronger Country Communities Fund to improve and expand trails and facilities.
"These improvements have allowed the Club to expand the trails and create new tracks that cater for all ages and abilities, which means more riders and their families are able to enjoy the network," Mr Stocks said.
Another significant cycling project being funded by The Nationals is the Snowy Mountains Adventure Park within the Snowy Mountains Special Activation Precinct, which will include mountain biking trails and a range of tourism and recreational uses.
The Adventure Cycling Strategy is part of the NSW Government's Visitor Economy Strategy goal to make NSW the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific by 2030.
