Mountain biking can be a worldwide success story for Scotland, leading to additional health, economic and sporting benefits, says renowned cyclist Mark Beaumont.
Speaking at Scotland’s first national mountain biking conference at Perth Concert Hall, the round-the-world cyclist said grass roots development was needed to sow the seeds of that growth.
Mountain biking has seen a massive rise in popularity in recent years, with Scotland now recognised as one of the best destinations in the world for the pastime.
The tourism market currently benefits to the tune of £119 million a year, and it has been estimated that there is potential to bring in an extra £36 million a year.
Addressing delegates, Beaumont told how his local cycling roots in Perthshire led to the desire to cycle around the world a journey watched by millions and captured in a BBC documentary.
“The first step in cycling around the world was from the farm where I grew up in the foothills of Glenshee,” he said. “The forestry tracks and Perthshire roads were a great start and training ground.
“Everyone has to start somewhere and people will be amazed at how many good routes are available right at their doorstep. Where there are none, that’s where we need to start to develop, focus and grow this activity, which also has massive offshoot benefits for Scotland.
“I’m inspired that a national framework has been developed to do this and look forward to grass roots development sowing the seeds of worldwide success.”
Delegates from as far afield as Canada attended the conference, organised by the Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland project, set up to maximise its potential.
The project, which has partners in the cycling, events, enterprise, tourism and environment worlds, sits within the governing body for cycle sport, Scottish Cycling.
The mountain biking group’s project manager Graeme McLean said, “Mountain biking in Scotland is a massive success story and can only be improved by highlighting routes near where people live.
“To do this, we plan to involve local people and community groups and set up regional development clusters. These clusters will enable local people to identify sustainable routes and promote mountain biking to a wider audience. Grass roots are the frame on which development is built.”
As well as increasing participation, the conference also looked at two other areas of development-tourism and economic development and sporting development and success.
Minister for public health and sport Shona Robison told delegates, “With some of the best destinations in the world on our doorstep it’s clear to see how mountain biking has risen in popularity.
“With the right development in place, even more people can be encouraged to take up exciting new sports like this. It is inspiring to see a range of national agencies work with local people to deliver real benefits to communities across the country,” she said.
“We want to encourage everyone to be involved in sport. Working together like this we can get Scotland moving and create an active nation.”
The Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland project will set up development clusters around Scotland and hold free consultation evenings in each region to engage further with local people.
Anyone interested in learning more and getting involved can visit developingmountainbikinginscotland.com.