Hornsby Shire Mountain Bike Alliance

"Australians love to cycle and they are purchasing new bicycles more than ever before. In 2007, over 1.47 million bicycles were sold, outnumbering cars for the eight consecutive year."
(Source Link)

"For every four bikes sold to children or youths in Australia there are seven bikes sold to adults. The public perception that all kids and just a few adults ride bikes is clearly wrong. Cycling is the 4th most popular physical activity for people 15 years and older. More popular than golf or fishing according to the Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey (ERASS 2005)."
(Source Link)

"Mountain Bike Australia membership has increased by almost 400% over the last 5 years. Only 5 – 10% of mountain bike owners actually belong to an organised group or club. NSW has the largest proportion of Mountain Bike Australia memberships with over 1,500 members from NSW. With the advancements in technology and rider skill there is an increased demand for more challenging trails to test rider skill and deter construction of trails in inappropriate locations. Various studies such as 'Assessing Recreation Demand and Opportunities Northern Sydney Region' study Feb 2004 by Parkland Environmental Planners for Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources, and the DIPNR regional trails findings 2005 by HASSELL have identified demand for off-road cycling opportunities in the Northern Sydney Region."
(Hornsby Shire Council Unstructured Recreation Strategy - 2008)