Upgrades to Singleton’s Pioneer Road Mountain Bike Track are pedalling ahead with a development application for improvements including carpark and new trails approved by Council at its December meeting.

Singleton Council received a $500,0000 grant from the NSW Regional Housing Fund to fund the upgrades, which will be delivered in partnership with Singleton Mountain Bike Club.

Works will also include upgrades to 9.41kms of existing trail, construction of 1.66km of new trail, closure and rehabilitation of 2.42km of existing trail, as well as new signage and directional arrows.

Justin Fitzpatrick-Barr, Council’s Director Infrastructure and Planning Services said Pioneer Road Mountain Bike Park was identified as the number one priority area in Singleton’s Mountain Bike Feasibility Study, adopted in 2021.

He said works would cement Pioneer Road Mountain Bike Park at a destination for immediate to advanced riders, and see even more people travel to spend time in Singleton Hunter Valley.

“Singleton is home to an active and growing mountain bike community who have been petitioning Council for a formalised mountain bike facility for many years,” he said.

“In response to the growth in mountain bike participation, the demand for places to ride and community interest, Council commissioned a feasibility study to investigate opportunities for the development of a formalised, local scale, mountain bike trail network within Singleton, which zeroed in on Pioneer Park as the first place to invest in improvements as it already boasted an established trail network, and the land is owned by Council.

“We know Singleton is a destination for adventure with locals and visitors alike, and these works will establish a fantastic cross-country experience for immediate to advanced level riders, catering for most riders in Singleton.

“Mountain bike riding has also been identified as a key focus area in the Hunter Valley Destination Plan, and this investment in infrastructure will build on cycling tourism and events that already bring visitors to our region.

“Best of all, this project will result in an incredible public recreation space for people to come together, enjoy the outdoors and have fun.”

A tender for the works will be prepared in the first quarter of 2024, with construction to begin later in the year.

To read Singleton’s Mountain Bike Feasibility Study or the Hunter Valley Destination Management Plan, visit www.singleton.nsw.gov.au