The National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) launched a discussion paper on mountain biking opportunities in the state's national parks and reserves.

The discussion paper will help NPWS develop a NSW Cycling Policy and Mountain Biking Strategy.

NPWS head Sally Barnes said cycling was one of the most popular outdoor activities in NSW national parks, and as popular as camping.

"We have 6.87 million hectares of national parks and reserves in NSW. The best way to get people interested and involved in conservation or these areas is by helping them get outside and see the parks for themselves," Ms Barnes said.

"Mountain biking is already possible along thousands of kilometres of management trails in many of our parks and specified tracks in reserves such as Glenrock SCA, Yellowmundee Regional Park, and Kosciuszko and Royal national parks.

"Planning is also underway in northern Sydney to help design, develop and closely monitor state-of-the art tracks that minimise environmental impacts such as erosion and water flow.

"There is strong community support for providing more for recreational opportunities in national parks. At the same time, there are concerns about the impact uncontrolled mountain biking along informal tracks is having on our parks and the potential environmental impacts mountain biking could have on sensitive areas."

Ms Barnes said the discussion paper looked at how new opportunities can be provided in a way that provides the best experiences for mountain bikers, minimal conflict with other users and the best conservation for the parks .

"At its heart is the recommendation that world class mountain bike experiences be provided in a limited number of parks, in places that are best suited to it," she said.

"Some parks are not suitable for mountain biking at all.

"The discussion paper also canvasses track design and conservation to make sure we provide well designed, appropriately sited tracks without the negative environmental impacts often with associated with people using informal tracks.

"All new mountain biking tracks would still be subject to environmental assessment and need to be approved through the plans of management for the park itself - which would involve further community consultation."

Ms Barnes said NPWS had already held discussions with conservation and mountain biking groups and NPWS who manage the parks. Workshops will also be held in coming months..

Submissions can be made on our on line website http://nsw.gov.au/shapeyourstate, emailed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or mailed to Cycling Policy and Mountain Biking Strategy, Department of Environment and Climate Change, PO Box 1967, Hurstville NSW 1481.