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Responsible road and mountain cycling

From easy, flat cruises to more challenging mountain trails, you'll find a wealth of cycling experiences in national parks. Cycling is generally prohibited on all walking tracks unless a sign indicates otherwise. However, many parks offer extensive networks of suitable roads, tracks, management or fire trails and even some exhilarating single-tracks.

Mountain bike riding may involve a high degree of personal risk and should be undertaken with care and regard for the riding conditions at all times. Helmets should always be worn while riding. You are advised to wear appropriate clothing, carry water and a first aid kit and, when in remote areas, puncture repair kit and a personal locator beacon. When cycling in parks or reserves, keep the following points in mind.

Be bike smart

• Wear a helmet, and always be in control of your bike so you don't endanger yourself or others.
• Wear appropriate clothing, carry water and a first aid kit and, when in remote areas, a puncture repair kit and a personal locator beacon. See Bushwalking safety for more information on hiring personal locator beacons.
• Keep your bike clean - it'll last longer and will be less likely to carry weeds and plant diseases into native bushland.
• If you come across other cyclists who are not respecting the park or are disturbing others, politely explain that cycling can only continue to be acceptable in bushland areas if riders follow this code.

Ride carefully

• Don't skid, as it can remove the surface layer of a track and cause erosion.
• Avoid riding in the wet - your tyres will carve tracks in the mud that channel water, also causing erosion.
• If there are puddles on the trail, please ride through; if you go around them it only widens the trail.
• Don't take shortcuts or form new trails, as this destroys native vegetation.

Respect the environment

Leave everything as you find it. Don't disturb historic places, Aboriginal sites, plants, animals or bush rock. Take all your rubbish home with you.

Look out for others

Walkers and joggers have just as much right to be on park trails as you. Try to cycle in small groups to prevent too much disturbance to others. When approaching walkers, give plenty of warning by calling out or ringing your bell. Slow right down and only pass when it's safe.

Watch for horseriders

When you meet horse riders, slow down and tell them you're approaching (don't use a bell or horn), then move over and allow them to pass. A horse can be frightened by a bicycle, endangering both its rider and you.

More information

• View parks and reserves with roads or trails suitable for cycling.

For information on walking your dog in state forests, phone Forests NSW on 02 9871 3377.

For more tips and information on staying safe in national parks, visit the Park Safety webpage.