Lysterfield Park's MTB trails have been officially closed by Parks Victoria for extended periods of time over the last two years. Parks VIC have deemed the trails unsafe for riders due to trail degradation. The trails have seen a significant increase in use due to the distance restrictions in Covid-19 lockdowns and an explosion in the interest of mountain biking over the last few years. Change in climate has resulted in a wetter winter and spring in the last few years, which has impacted the drainage of the trails and left many with deep ruts.

Usually, the trails are maintained monthly by a volunteer group of trail builders from Lysterfield District Trail Riders, in conjunction with local Parks Victoria rangers. However, due to Covid-19 lockdowns again, this work has not been able to be completed as regularly over the last 18 months. 

Lysterfield Park's trails are the most used 'urban' mountain bike trails in Australia (Trailforks 2021). The Australian Government invested into the trails into 2006 when the Commonwealth Games MTB event was held there and the 14 kilometre Commonwealth Games State Trail was created. This trail is still used today. 

Lysterfield Park's trails are known as the Gateway to Victorian Mountain Biking. It is seen as a crucial place in which cyclists from all over the state develop their mountain biking skills due to the variety of trails on offer and it's close distance to the Melbourne CBD. It is used by many schools, TAFE's and universities in Victoria to do their outdoor education off-road cycling classes. It is also used by community groups who host social rides and small businesses who run bike skills lessons for children and adults alike. 

In 2019, the committee commissioned Price Waterhouse Coopers to undertake an economic impact assessment of our proposed extension of MTB Trails in Lysterfield. This study showed a positive Benefit-cost ratio of a massive 2.95, with multiple economic, social and health benefits.

If you would to read this assessment, click here. 

Lysterfield District Trail Riders (LDTR) are the official representative committee of the community of riders at Lysterfield Park. Finances required to complete trail works and maintenance are raised through fundraising events such as races, skills lessons, social group rides and also through memberships and approved grants. Due to the lack of opportunity to hold these fundraising events during Covid-19 lockdowns in Melbourne, LDTR has seen a negative impact on their financial situation. 

Lysterfield Park sits in the middle of three councils - Yarra Ranges, Knox City Council and City of Casey. We are requesting the support of the State and Federal Government to fund professional trail builders to consult on the current conditions of the trails. We also wish to have professional trail builders complete the recommended works necessary to bring the trails to the standard required to handle the volume of rider traffic, withstand the weather elements over the year and make them more accessible for adaptive mountain bikers to use. We also ask for the relevant funds required to create the additional 20+kms to the Park's trail network - of which we have been in the planning process with Parks Victoria for. This would include the creation of a dedicated adaptive mountain bike loop. This would also reduce the burden on the current trails. We also wish to expand the current skills park and pump track to include an asphalted pump track. 

By supporting our petition, you will help create momentum in receiving funding for the MTB trails at Lysterfield Park to remain open during the year, and have better quality trails that are sustainable to the traffic and weather they receive. This will allow more riders of all ages and abilities, to experience the benefits of being outdoors and riding. It will give more people the ability to connect with social groups and will help give the next generation of mountain bike riders a place to develop their skills for the sport they love. By repairing the trails back to a sustainable, safe standard, this will also free up funds generated by the club to host more inclusive events to riders across Victoria. 

If we are not successful in receiving any government support and funding, the trails are at risk of regular closures for extended periods of time and will become poorer in quality. This will require a larger investment in the future to get them back to a safe standard again if we leave it too long. 

Share this petition far and wide! Follow us on Facebook for updates on our campaign https://www.facebook.com/lysterfieldmtb

"You use the same energy to dream big as you do to dream small ... so dream big!" - Ben Crowe