Parks Victoria should be working harder to keep these groups out and riding.

Australia has an obesity problem, the prospect of a hard days cycling in the hills should be vigorously encouraged, not discouraged.

Yes, that does mean some wear and tear, but I'm sure the mountain bikers will be only too happy to help with the work, anything, to keep the tracks open and used.

And open up more areas, and encourage their use.

The Bendigo creek is a good example. It could be easily opened up north of Howard Street, for commuters from Huntly, and to give easy cyclist access to the sports centre, and right up to Tennyson Road.

It would also open up the creek to kids from Bendigo, to do what kids love to do.

There is excellent fishing along the creek, with monster carp to be easily caught.

Get the kids out and active!

Read more: Bendigo Mountain Bike Club blames Parks Victoria for likely Golden Triangle Epic cancellation

Mountain bike trails have adverse impact on the biodiversity of parks and other remnants of native vegetation.

I therefore strongly support Parks Victoria's move to restrict the bike trails to a lower number and to stop the bike riders from riding outside the then-approved trails.

I am writing in my capacity as club president of the Bendigo Mountain Bike Club, regarding formalised trail networks in regional parks and forests of the greater Bendigo area.

The club has, for more than 10 years, advocated for and worked hard in an open and transparent way as an involved and passionate community organisation. We have educated our members and the broader mountain bike community on the need to act responsibly to other uses and respect the environment.

We have worked to close down more than three kilometres of unsanctioned single width trail with the commitment from Parks Victoria to work toward a formalised trail network.

In 2016 a sustainable trail plan, including biodiversity assessment, cultural heritage assessment was developed with Parks Victoria at the table from inception to completion.

The backwards step taken by Parks Victoria to manage by exclusion, brings to the fore the urgent need for a plan for the future that supports and underpins both environmental enhancement of the environment and sustainable mountain biking infrastructure.

Mountain biking provides valuable community activity for children, women and families to participate in a healthy outdoor activity. This also aligns with the Parks Victoria vision of Health Parks, Healthy People.

The Bendigo bushland environment is a precious resource for the entire Bendigo community, and is highly valued by our members, and like-minded recreational users. The adoption of a formalised trail network provides a forward direction to ensuring that this environment is protected and enhanced through the planned trails and professional construction.