Dr Nick Smith National Conservation and Environment Spokesperson
17 March 2001
Petition to change National Park prohibition of mountain bikes
"The rule that prohibits mountain bikes anywhere in National Parks is an ass and needs updating," Nelson MP and National
Conservation spokesperson Nick Smith today at the launch of the nation-wide petition in partnership with the New Zealand
Mountain Bike Association.
"It is ridiculous that landing a helicopter, skiing, shooting and fishing are all discretionary activities in our Parks
while mountain biking is totally prohibited. It is a throw-back to the days of 10-speeds when a bike required a sealed
pathway and was classified as a vehicle alongside cars, trucks and buses.
The petition was launched at the Rainbow Rage, a 110km mountain bike ride from St Arnaud to Hanmer Springs involving
1600 mountain biking enthusiasts from throughout the country including Nelson MP Nick Smith.
"Mountain bikers don't want carte blanche access to National Parks. On many tracks it would be quite inappropriate,
however there are a limited number of tracks on which mountain biking would make sense but cannot even be considered
because of the current total prohibition.
The New Zealand Conservation Authority sets the rules for National Parks. As Minister of Conservation Nick Smith
unsuccessfully sought a review in 1999. The new Minister of Conservation Sandra Lee has indicated her opposition to any
review of the rules regarding mountain bikes.
"There are tens of thousands of New Zealanders who use mountain bikes and object to the outdated discrimination. This
petition is a vehicle by which mountain bikers can have their say and put pressure on the New Zealand Conservation
Authority to change the total ban.
"If the general rules for National Parks were changed local Conservation Boards, through the public consultation
process, would be able to determine where mountain biking would be allowed in each National Park plan. The New Zealand
Conservation Authority finally approves National Park plans," Dr Smith said.
Ends