One of the rarest plants in Sydney
Grevillea caleyi is one of the rarest plants in Sydney and is found nestled in the Northern Beaches of Sydney. Find out how mountain bikers can help save it.
Ride Lightly: How mountain bikers can help protect the bush
As mountain bikers, you are important custodians of natural areas. Following these tips will help to protect threatened species, and conserve the beautiful Australian bush for future generations to enjoy.
Mountain bike riding is exciting, great for keeping fit and for getting into nature. It is a rapidly growing sport across the bushland around Sydney, Newcastle and elsewhere in New South Wales.
The Ride Lightly campaign by the Saving our Species program is working with the mountain biking community to show how to explore the beautiful Australian bush while appreciating and protecting the amazing threatened species that exist nowhere else in the world.
'Protect what you love, and ride lightly' – Steph Martin, National Parks and Wildlife Service ranger.
Top tips for conserving the bush while mountain biking
- avoiding riding in the wet – biking in the mud causes erosion
- be courteous of other park users, particularly on multi-use trails – we are all out enjoying what we love
- don't modify tracks or create shortcuts – this can have devastating effects on endangered plants
- clean your bike after every ride – it's good bike maintenance and it removes weed seeds and diseases spread by bikes.
On track with Chris, Brigitte and Paul
Is mountain biking compatible with conservation? Find out how to have less impact on the bush where you ride.
Keeping mountain bike trails in good nick
Paul is the keenest of mountain bikers. He also runs a group of volunteers, helping to maintain trails in national parks. Here he shows the hard work and knowledge that goes into great trails, and how to keep them in good nick.
A young person's perspective
One of the best things about going mountain biking is being out in nature. Fin gives his perspective on how to ride to avoid the bush.
Newcastle's mountain biking drawcard
Laura is a mountain biker who lives near the stunning Glenrock State Conservation Area near Newcastle. Because she rides there often, it's important to her that riders minimise the impact on the area she loves. There is a very rare orchid that depends on it.
