PROPOSED CIVIC SCHEME
Dromana - Victoria - Australia
In order to carry a positive action we must develop here a positive vision.
Dalai Lama
Encouraging kids & adults to be active has long known to have positive benefits both physically and emotionally. Providing a safe and stimulating cycling environment will help inspire users' personal and social development.
Together with RTSG Neuroscientists, Specialized launched a groundbreaking study that analyzed the effects riding had on school children dealing with ADHD symptoms. The results were, in short, awesome. Kids in the study showed improved attention, more “normal” neuroelectric brain activity post-ride, better overall mood, and reduced BMI and waist size. Many of these positive aspects were noticeable even after just one ride and the program demonstrated an 87% retention rate with kids.
“The findings also indicated there may be factors more unique to cycling that make it especially effective when it comes to the brain benefits of exercise. Factors like maintaining balance, being outdoors, riding in groups and the rhythmic motion of pedaling we theorize may have contributed to our findings being so profound”
-Dr. Lindsay Thornton, Lead researcher and Sports Psychologist
WHAT IS MOUNTAIN BIKING ABOUT?
Mountain biking is hugely popular - Over the population people of all ages, genders and economic backgrounds enthusiastically ride off-road.
One of the many joys of riding a mountain bike is the sheer breadth of people one gets to meet. Crossing all social and economic layers, mountain biking can be acccessed with a limited budget and with immediate 'feel good' benefits.
From a purely health perspective the massive increase in rider growth is a very positive reflection on the power of physical exercise and self-reliance.
A bike responds directly to the rider's inputs rewarding them with instanteous control. In today's busy world this is a particularily grounding experience.
Mountain biking as a past time has exploded all over Europe, North America, Australia & New Zealand. Major bike parks and trail networks are now viewed as socially benefical. Activity tourism provides more and more positive revenue as traditional industries morph and decline.
If you don't yet ride we suggest you give it a go.
Feel alive.
THE PROFILE OF A TYPICAL MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDER
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Male, however, the number of women taking up mountain bike riding is continuing to increase
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Have tertiary level education, and come from professional or technical backgrounds
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Have high incomes
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Range in age from mid 20’s to mid 40’s, with a high percentage in the mid 30’s age group
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Tend to travel in small groups of 2-3 people
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Tend to travel to destinations within half day to day away from home or base for the majority of mountain bike trips, but will travel further for unique experiences or competitions
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Ride once to 2-3 times per week
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Cite features such as fitness/exercise, technical challenge, spectacular scenery, local culture, and accessibility as important attributes for MTB destinations.
