Wither Hills bike tracks audited

An independent auditor has assessed the Wither Hills mountain bike trails to provide a consistent approach to grading guidelines.

Simon Noble from Envisage New Zealand spoke at August’s Assets and Services Committee meeting saying he used New Zealand Cycle Trail guidelines – one of three systems recognised across New Zealand.

Mr Noble has audited more than 200 trails nationally, often finding them harder than their posted grades suggested.

Parks and Open Space Officer Kiri Whiteman said Mr Noble was brought in as part of a national drive to achieve a consistent standard across mountain bike trail networks.

“It will ensure the grade advertised will be at the highest level (per difficulty) a rider will experience on a trail,” she said. “The alignment of the grading with a recognised guideline will bring Council tracks in line with other regions.”

Mr Noble said a recent coronial inquest into the death of a mountain biker made recommendations to overhaul the grading system at a national level.

His audit concentrated on slope steepness, width and turn radius.

“Trails in New Zealand are generally under-graded but are increasing all over the country as landowners realise the obligations they have to minimise risk to riders and present a fully diverse network of riding opportunities,” he said.

He recommended grade changes across the network.

The Marlborough Mountain Bike Club was asked to comment on the audit and while they supported some parts, they disagreed with others.

It was recommended that Council’s Parks and Open Spaces team consult directly with the Marlborough Mountain Bike Club to discuss key differences to their submission and the Envisage report.

Already, $30,000 has been set aside to update signage and information based on the audit findings.