Petition to support of a BMX/ mountain bike facility:
Georges River does not have an outdoor bike/track pump facility in the area for the  community to ride and practice their bike skills.

We request  that a feasibility study for the BMX/ Mountain bike facility be completed as a matter of urgency and that council allocate funds for the design and construction of a new site.

This facility and activity can:

1. Promote a Healthy Lifestyle
It is important that our young people are encouraged to get outside and be in their natural environment. Our children are currently ‘stuck’ behind screens for their schooling and then use ‘screens’ for recreational and social means, substantially reducing their physical activity. It is imperative that there are enjoyable options in our community to encourage them to maintain a healthy lifestyle and mental health.

2. Provide Social Inclusion and Community
A bike track could foster a sense of community, belonging and teamwork. It can bring together groups of people ranging in ages, schools and backgrounds. It is important that our children and youth have opportunities to ‘belong’ and be part of something that is also for the greater good of others. This has been supported by our local community group, Oatley Flora and Fauna Conservation Society. They provided their support officially on the Facebook platform: 25 Jul “OFF supports the construction of an official mountain bike in a safe location”, and again on 11 August “Our LGA needs a dedicated bike course”.

3. Help Develop Skills
BMX/ Mountain Bike activities use gross motor skills and encourages the interests in sports such as cycling, skateboarding and other wheeled sports. Our children and youth are not able to use the sporting fields, otherwise used for sports such as soccer/rugby. There are also a number of youth who do not participate in team sports and this provides a facility to cater for this group. This type of facility can also develop important social skills for our youth. Essentially there are many opportunities to teach and mentor one another. These skills are vital as our youth enter adulthood.

4. Reduce unwanted bushland destruction and antisocial behaviour
A dedicated area for our youth communicates to them that they have needs and are important in the community while also using the opportunity to work with and alongside other local community groups by looking after the area; including the soil and plants. It is not acceptable that any bushland in Oatley Park or the surrounding area be damaged by youth building biking structures. Youth are unfortunately young and have not yet reached a level of maturity to be fully aware of all of their actions. A dedicated facility can work to mitigate any current and future damage occurring in these areas.