Absolutely Positively Wellington Tumeke Poneke Wellington City Council [logo] Off Road Mountain Bike Policy For Wellington City Use of Non Motorised Cycles On Public Reserve Land In Wellington City August 10th 1994 For Further Information Contact: Policy & Research Coordinator Culture & Recreation Department PO Box 2199 Wellington City Council Ph 801-3600 ======================================================================= Contents Page Introduction 2 1. Definitions 4 2. Policy Statement 4 2.3 Races and Events 5 2.4 Code of Conduct 8 3. Procedure for policy change 8 4. Summary of track assessment 9 ========================================================================= Introduction Background Mountain biking has seen a rapid rise in popularity in the last five years, and this growth is expected to continue for the next five years at least. Wellington is a unique city as it provides excellent riding opportunities very close to urban areas and the Central Business District. For these reasons Wellington is known as "The Mountain Bike Capital of New Zealand". The increasing use of tracks by cyclists raised some public concern as to the appropriateness of cycles on traditional walking tracks, and the effects they have on the environment, public safety and reduced enjoyment for walkers. In July 1993 the Recreation and Assets Department of the Wellington City Council began a study of off road tracks and areas used by mountain bikers around Wellington. The suitability of these areas for mountain biking was discussed in a draft study paper "Off Road Mountain Biking in Wellington, December 1993". This paper recommended the closure of certain tracks, based on an evaluation of the degree of conflict with other users, public safety, and/or environmental damage. This evaluation was completed by inspection of tracks, monitoring of users on Mt Victoria and Karori Reservoir, discussions with walkers, residents, mountain bikers and a review of other research. The policy is intended to be a positive policy and allow mountain bikers to share tracks with other users in areas declared "open" for mountain biking. The success of the policy will largely be determined by self regulation and adherence to the policy by mountain bikers. Implementation will include updating signage, promotional material and track maintenance in partnership with mountain bike volunteers. The policy is to be monitored and reviewed after two years. ======================================================================== Public Consultation Process * July - December 1993: discussions with interest groups; including walkers, Residents Associations, and mountain bikers, The Department of Conservation and the Wellington Regional Council. * December 1993: draft discussion study paper released for public submission * March 1st 1994: thirty six submissions received * April 1994: Culture & Recreation Committee listened to a number of submissions from people who spoke to the policy. Policy delayed while issues raised could be discussed in more detail. * April - May 5th 1994: Town Belt Sub committee members of the Culture & Recreation Committee held a public meeting to hear issues from those opposed and those for the policy. This meeting focused primarily on Mt Victoria. * June 10th 1994: Sub Committee met on site at Mt Victoria and Karori Reservoir and discussed the options and issues presented to them over the course of the study and the subsequent public consultation period. * Policy adopted August 2nd 1994. ======================================================================== Off Road Mountain Bike Policy For Wellington City 1. Definitions 1.1 A "Mountain Bike" is a bicycle which has gears, frame, wheels and tyres that are specially designed for use on rough terrain. Any references in this policy to "Mountain Bike" will also include any non motorised pedal cycle, tricycle, scooter, or other similar contraption. 1.2 "Reserve land" means land administered by the Wellington City Council. Not all Reserve land is legally held as Reserve land subject to the Reserves Act 1977. Reserves also include the Inner and Outer Town Belts. 1.3 "Off-road" refers to any track; 4 wheel drive track, paved or unpaved track, firebreak or track not considered a road under the Transport Act, and which is found on "reserve land". This does not include roads found on private property. 1.4 "Track" refers to routes originally built for walking on, and found n "reserve land". These tracks are more often than not narrower in width than "roads" and are usually unpaved. 1.5 "Town Belts" refers to the discontinuous Inner and Outer Town Belts. The Inner includes the Hills surrounding Wellington City; Mt Victoria, Tinakori Hills, and the Southern Walkway, and the Outer Town Belt envelopes the suburbs of Karori, Wilton, Ngaio and Khandallah. 1.6 "Parks Manager" refers to any Council Officer the General Manager of Culture and Recreation elects to carry out the duties as described in this policy. ========================================================================= 2. Policy Statement 2.1 Mountain bikes shall be permitted off road on Wellington City Council public reserve land except where Council has designated an area or tracks to be closed. Closure decisions shall be based on an evaluation of the degree of conflict with other users, public safety, and/or environmental damage. Public consultation will be held before any future closures. Tracks and roads which are open to mountain bikes will follow the principle of shared use with others unless otherwise stated on appropriate signage. Areas closed to Mountain Bikes shall be: 1. Botanic Gardens (except the road around Anderson Park from Glenmore St to Kinross St) 2. Otari Native Botanic Garden (formerly Wilton Bush) 3. Izard Park - Winton 4. Bolton St Memorial Park - Thorndon 5. Truby King Park - Kilbirnie 6. Wellington Zoo - Newtown 7. Katherine Mansfield Park - Thorndon Includes Lady McKenzie Garden for the Blind 8. Hue Tetaka (Moa Point) 9. Upper Karori Reservoir bush tracks (only firebreaks are open) 10. Wrights Hill bush tracks 11. Southern Walkway - Oriental Bay to Palliser Rd section 12. Eastern Walkway 13. Johnstons Hill Reserve - Karori 14. Huntleigh Park - Crofton Downs 15. Tinakori Hill (except ridgeline) 16. Khandallah Park walking tracks from Simla Cres, Clarke St, Woodmancote Rd, and Truscott Ave. (Sirsi Tce Broadmeadows and onto the Northern track to Mt Kau is the only track open - this track shall be closed to mountain bikers during the lambing season August, September and October.) 17. Wilf Mexted Scenic Reserve - Tawa 18. Berhampore Golf Course 19. Trelissick Park - Ngaio 20. Redwood Bush - Tawa ======================================================================== 2.2 Mountain Bikes will not be permitted on designated specialist tracks such as interpretive or exercise tracks. Closed: 1. Kelburn Park exercise track 2.3 Races and Events may be held on tracks and roads in areas which are open for mountain biking, but must adhere to the following race and event guidelines. Before permission is given by the Wellington City Council for races and events, the following guidelines must be met: 2.3.1 The Race Organiser must seek written permission for a temporary concession. The cost for an application for an event is $100. This amount is to cover processing costs and site inspection. 2.3.2 The race route must meet the following criteria: - good soil compaction and wearability - good drainage and drying out ability - little susceptibility to erosion (based on historical data) - steepness of slopes are appropriate to quality of soil type to sustain racing techniques - no steps - current track condition is adequate - weather conditions are reasonably dry - acceptable impact on other users - expected time and length of race to have limited impact on other users 2.3.3 Suitable parking, which does not conflict with residential parking, must be found which relates to the size of the event. 2.3.4 Races must be limited to no more than two races in an area per year. Consideration will be given for one extra race for a national or international event. 2.3.5 Races on Mt Victoria will generally not be permitted between the months of May and September. However the Council may consider approving , as an exception, races which are significant international or national events and in the view of the Council provide wider benefits for Wellington City. Monitoring and Evaluation Once permission has been granted the following guidelines will be followed: 2.3.6 A holding bond, against possible damage, of $500 from the Race Organiser must be received before the race. The Race Organiser and the Parks Manager must check the site before and after the race and agree on the condition of the area. Any remedial work needed will be deducted from the bond. 2.3.7 The Race Organiser, in consultation with the Parks Manager, must give notice to the public seven days prior to the race, by presentation of temporary signs at key entry points to the race area. The signs to be agreed with the Parks Manager. Any notices will be at the expense of the Race Organiser. 2.3.8 Heavy rain prior to the race may cause the postponement of the race. The Parks Manager should consult with the Race Manager regarding cancellation, however the final decision lies with the Parks Manager. 2.3.9 The Race Organiser must in the opinion of the Parks Manager, provide sufficient marshals and signage to ensure the public safety of other users. 2.3.10 Signage and markings should be of the following type: - arrows pushed into the ground - bunting attached to trees by tying only - signs attached to trees by tying on only - bunting attached to ground - water soluble spray on ground, not on trees, grass or other vegetation - commercial sponsorship signage is generally not permitted on reserves, and should be discreet and unobtrusive. For events on town belt land refer to The Town Belt Management Plan for details. 2.3.11 Signage for the whole race area should be erected with the purpose of alerting casual users that a race is in progress. The system of signage must be agreed with the Park Manager. 2.3.12 All bunting, signage and litter must be removed immediately after the race. 2.3.12 The mountain bike code of conduct or race conduct must be printed on entry forms. 2.3.14 Fees and Charges Commercial race events will be charged a $500 race fee per event. Charitable trusts or nonprofit making groups will not be charged a race fee. Any other use of parks facilities will be charged as per their fees/charges schedule. Failure to comply with any of these guidelines will lead to a forfeiture of some or all of the holding bond. 2.4 Those persons riding on tracks shall be expected to ride in the following responsible manner: - Restrict speed and maintain control of the bike. - Have constant regard for safety of all other users. - Ride within personal ability, and with regard to the type of terrain. - Give way to others. Stop and move aside for walkers. - Make their presence known well in advance, use courtesy and caution when approaching or overtaking other track users. - Keep left, approach bends and areas with limited sightlines with caution. - Observe minimum impact code. Stay on tracks, avoid soft surfaces and delicate vegetation. Avoid skidding. - Get permission if you intend to cross private property. access is a privilege not a right. ======================================================================== 3. Procedure for Policy Change This policy is subject to review two years after the date of approval. As part of the review, consultation will be carried out with affected groups. Any persons wishing to make a change to areas referred to in the policy, may make a submission to the General Manager Culture & Recreation Division, Wellington City Council. Submissions will be considered at the time of the policy review. The policy will be subject to ongoing monitoring. ======================================================================= 4. Summary of Track Assessment 1. Karori Reservoir Area Wrights Hill to Wind Turbine Track description: Wide perimeter firebreak Capability for dual use with others: excellent Physical capability of track to support mountain biking: excellent Signage and maintenance: sign needed at entrance to firebreak Land status: Inner Town Belt Reserve WCC, Land owned by WRC Grade of riding (Beginner, Intermediate, Expert): all Policy: open Wind Turbine to Highbury Road Entrance, "Roller Coaster" Track description: perimeter firebreak, steep downhill Capability for dual use with others: good-fair Physical capability of track to support mountain biking: excellent Signage and maintenance: 2-3 "Slow Down" signs needed Land status: Inner Town Belt Reserve WCC, Land owned by WRC Grade of riding (Beginner/Intermediate/Expert): all Policy: open Bush Tracks Track description: narrow, steep, poor drainage Capability for dual use with others: poor Physical capability of track to support mountain biking: poor Signage and maintenance: "No Entry" signs erected some need replacing. Tracks in poor condition Land status: Inner Town Belt Reserve WCC, Land owned by WRC Grade of riding (Beginner/Intermediate/Expert): - Policy: Closed 2. Wrights Hill Area Wrights Hill to Burrows Avenue Track description: steep bush covered narrow track Capability for dual use with others: poor Physical capability of track to support mountain biking: poor Signage and maintenance: sings needed Land status: - Grade of riding (Beginner/Intermediate/Expert): - Policy: closed Wrights Hill to Reservoir Track description: 2 steep, bush covered narrow tracks Capability for dual use with others: poor Physical capability of track to support mountain biking: poor Signage and maintenance: signs erected, maintained by Wrights Hill Reserve Committee Land status: Outer Town Belt Reserve Grade of riding (Beginner/Intermediate/Expert): - Policy: closed 3. Hawkins Hill Area Wind Turbine to Hawkins Hill and Radar Track description: sealed road Capability for dual use with others: excellent Physical capability of track to support mountain biking: excellent Signage and maintenance: information sign at wind turbine gate Land status: Airways Road has easement over WCC land Grade of riding (Beginner/Intermediate/Expert): All Policy: open Hawkins Hill to Red Rocks, then out via Quarry Track description: undulating 4 wheel drive track - steep finish Capability for dual use with others: excellent Physical capability of track to support mountain biking: excellent Signage and maintenance: track waymarkers needed Land status: WCC Grade of riding (Beginner/Intermediate/Expert): expert Policy: open Hawkins Hill to Happy Valley Tip Road Track description: steep 4 wheel drive track to corner of Happy Valley and Tip Roads Capability for dual use with others: excellent Physical capability of track to support mountain biking: excellent Signage and maintenance: waymarkers needed, regular regrading Land status: WCC Cityworks Grade of riding (Beginner/Intermediate/Expert): expert Policy: open Hawkins Hill to Te Kopahau to Sinclair Head Track description: 4 wheel drive then track to Sinclair Head, steep finish Capability for dual use with others: excellent Physical capability of track to support mountain biking: excellent Signage and maintenance: no signs, rough track Land status: WCC and small section private land Grade of riding (Beginner/Intermediate/Expert): expert Policy: open Polhill to Happy Valley Track description: downhill firebreak Capability for dual use with others: excellent Physical capability of track to support mountain biking: excellent Signage and maintenance: no signs Land status: WCC Cityworks Grade of riding (Beginner/Intermediate/Expert): intermediate Policy: open 4. Tinakori Hill Area Ridgeline Track description: unsealed road Capability for dual use with others: excellent Physical capability of track to support mountain biking: excellent Signage and maintenance: - Land status: Inner Town Belt, Reserve WCC Grade of riding (Beginner/Intermediate/Expert): all Policy: open Weld Street/Wadestown Road to St Marys Street Track description: single bush track along part of Northern Walkway Capability for dual use with others: good-fair Physical capability of track to support mountain biking: good-fair, some pares poor Signage and maintenance: signs prohibiting mtb's already in place Land status: Inner Town Belt, Reserve WCC Grade of riding (Beginner/Intermediate/Expert): intermediate Policy: closed 5. Khandallah Park Chartwell Drive to Mt Kau Kau Track description: part of Northern Walkway, 4 wheel drive past Wilton Substation to Ridgeline Capability for dual use with others: excellent Physical capability of track to support mountain biking: excellent Signage and maintenance: - Land status: private land, ridgeline WCC unsurveyed - permission must be obtained Grade of riding (Beginner/Intermediate/Expert): intermediate Policy: Private Land access is difficult - permission must be sought Mt Kau Kau to Broadmeadows via North Ridge Track description: wide open grassy route onto 4 wheel drive then to single track Capability for dual use with others: excellent Physical capability of track to support mountain biking: excellent Signage and maintenance: signs and waymarkers needed Land status: WCC Town Belt Reserve Grade of riding (Beginner/Intermediate/Expert): All Policy: Open - suitable to exit at Sirsi Terrace, not suitable on single bush track t Khandallah Park North Ridge Route to Johnsonville Park/Truscott Ave, Elliot St Track description: 4 wheel drive then single stepped bush track out at Truscott Avenue Capability for dual use with others: excellent until exit through Johnsonville Park Physical capability of track to support mountain biking: excellent until exit through Johnsonville Park Signage and maintenance: signs needed Land status: WCC Town Belt Reserve Grade of riding (Beginner/Intermediate/Expert): All Policy: Closed Rifle Range Road to top of Mt Kau Kau Track description: private sealed road Capability for dual use with others: excellent Physical capability of track to support mountain biking: excellent Signage and maintenance: - Land status: NZ Broadcasting easement over private land Grade of riding (Beginner/Intermediate/Expert): intermediate Policy: private landowner will not allow general access, permission must be sought Old Coach Road Rifle Range to Johnsonville Track description: old 4 wheel drive through gorse and broom Capability for dual use with others: excellent Physical capability of track to support mountain biking: excellent Signage and maintenance: nil Land status: public legal road Grade of riding (Beginner/Intermediate/Expert): all Policy: open Mt Kau Kau tracks to Simla Cres, Clark St, Woodmancote Road Track description: steep, single bush tracks Capability for dual use with others: poor Physical capability of track to support mountain biking: poor-fair Signage and maintenance: signs needed, update planned for next year Land status: Outer Town Belt - Reserve WCC Grade of riding (Beginner/Intermediate/Expert): - Policy: Closed 6. Trelissick Park Reserve Ngaio Gorge Road to Hanover Street to Trellissick Cres Track description: part of Northern Walkway, metal road to narrow track then splits. Both tracks steep and stepped, insignificant as a mountain bike area Capability for dual use with others: Fair Physical capability of track to support mountain biking: Good in some places, fair-poor overall Signage and maintenance: add to existing signage Land status: WCC Reserve Grade of riding (Beginner/Intermediate/Expert): - Policy: Closed 7. Southern Walkway, Oriental Bay to Houghton Bay Oriental Bay to Palliser Road Track description: single track through pines Capability for dual use with others: fair-poor Physical capability of track to support mountain biking: good in places - fair overall Signage and maintenance: extra signs would be needed Land status: WCC Inner Town Belt Reserve Grade of riding (Beginner/Intermediate/Expert): - Policy: Closed Mt Victoria, Paliser Road to Mt Victoria Tunnel Track description: complex number of interconnecting tracks through pines, width of tracks vary Capability for dual use with others: good Physical capability of track to support mountain biking: good Signage and maintenance: additional signs needed, maintenance needed in some areas Land status: WCC Inner Town Belt Reserve Grade of riding (Beginner/Intermediate/Expert): All Policy: Open, no races May-Sept except for national/international events Hataitai Park, Mt Victoria to Constable Street Track description: number of tracks, vary in width Capability for dual use with others: good Physical capability of track to support mountain biking: good Signage and maintenance: - Land status: WCC Inner Town Belt Reserve Grade of riding (Beginner/Intermediate/Expert): all Policy: open Crawford Road to Manchester Street Track description: wide and narrow tracks and road through pines Capability for dual use with others: excellent Physical capability of track to support mountain biking: excellent Signage and maintenance: - Land status: WCC Inner Town Belt Reserve Grade of riding (Beginner/Intermediate/Expert): all Policy: Open Manchester Street to Houghton Bay Road Track description: wide open areas, 4 wheel drive tracks, steeped by the zoo Capability for dual use with others: excellent Physical capability of track to support mountain biking: excellent Signage and maintenance: - Land status: WCC Inner Town Belt Reserve Grade of riding (Beginner/Intermediate/Expert): all Policy: open Sinclair Park Track description: wide 4 wheel drive track Capability for dual use with others: excellent Physical capability of track to support mountain biking: good Signage and maintenance: - Land status: WCC Inner Town Belt Reserve Grade of riding (Beginner/Intermediate/Expert): all Policy: open 8. Eastern Walkway Eastern Walkway Track description: single track, narrow, stepped Capability for dual use with others: poor-fair Physical capability of track to support mountain biking: poor Signage and maintenance: current signs ban bikes Land status: Outer Town Belt Reserve WCC Grade of riding (Beginner/Intermediate/Expert): - Policy: closed 9. Johnstons Hill Johnstons Hill Track description: small bush area, circular track, access across private land to Mt Kau Kau Capability for dual use with others: poor-fair Physical capability of track to support mountain biking: poor Signage and maintenance: current signs ban bikes Land status: Outer Town Belt Reserve WCC Grade of riding (Beginner/Intermediate/Expert): - Policy: closed ======================================================================= end of file