Is the evolving sport of mountain biking compatible with fauna conservation in national parks?

Abstract

Historically, most people have tended to visit national parks for 'rest, relaxation and reinvigoration', typically resulting in moderate ecological impacts. However, increasingly, recreation in natural areas is including 'adventure' sports. One such recreation/sport that now incorporates a range of forms, including adventure derivatives, is mountain biking. In the more extreme forms, riders use extensive trials, often with steep segments and natural or human-made obstacles demonstrate technical skills (e.g., balance, calculated risk-taking, excitement, speed). Appreciation of the natural environment is seldom, if ever, a reason for participation. In this paper we consider the potential for impact on the fauna of national parks. While there is a dearth of information on the impact of mountain biking, we conclude that park management needs to be strategic in their consideration of the issues associated with mountain biking or the outcome will be further degradation of natural areas and, at the least, loss of many animals if not major threats to populations.

Mountain biking: downhill for the environment or chance to up a gear?

“…In addition to possible social conflicts, the rising popularity of mountain biking has raised concerns of potential environmental impacts (see [41] for review). The IMBA 'rules' (see rules 1-3, table 1) includes this dimension.…”

Pilot Testing of a Sampling Methodology for Assessing Seed Attachment Propensity and Transport Rate in a Soil Matrix Carried on Boot Soles and Bike Tires

“…Biking is increasingly popular globally in backcountry/wilderness protected areas such as national parks (Burgin and Hardiman 2012; Hardiman and Burgin 2013) and in open access peri-urban natural areas (Chiu and Kriwoken 2003) and its growth has led to increasing user group pressure for greater access to natural areas. Although a small number of experimental studies have attempted to measure biking’s absolute and relative potential (e.g.…”