Allestree Park: Calls for mountain bike trails as part of new plans

The group said graded bike trails could cater for different abilities

Mountain bikers have called for purpose-built trails to be included in plans for a Derby park.

Proposals for Allestree Park to become home to the UK's largest urban rewilding project were given the go-ahead by the city council in November.

The group said the park was the only place in the city with steep enough hills for a range of trails.

Derby City Council has launched a 12-week public consultation on the plans ahead of a final decision.

The authority said it would be inappropriate to comment on suggestions while the consultation was ongoing.

Roger Vieira said he travelled around the world mountain biking and sees how communities benefit from its positive effects

The bikers said graded routes for different abilities could kept separate from other park users for safety reasons, and to ensure there was no impact on rewilding.

Roger Vieira, a national downhill mountain bike champion from Derby, said: "We aren't proposing covering the park in a warren of trails with bikers whizzing by scared dog walkers but a small number of considered and well-designed ones - separate from other parts of the park.

"People from around the city could easily ride to them, cutting down car pollution, and helping to create a focal point for people interested in the increasingly popular sport.

"The council needs to seize this opportunity and work with us to create something that could create a lasting positive legacy at a time when cycling is booming. Other cities have succeeded - so why not Derby?"

James Coxon (left) said Derby had a strong mountain biking community

James Coxon, 39, said: "The council, with the support from local enthusiasts, have a fantastic opportunity to create a small number of trails which could really boost the cycling culture in the city - as Parkwood and Lady Cannings has done for Sheffield - bringing in tourism, as well as lasting social and health benefits.

"Often people misunderstand mountain biking as just this high adrenaline sport but a massive part of it is enjoying being out in nature.

"There is room for everyone, and the trails don't need to interfere with other users' enjoyment."

A spokesperson for Derby City Council said: "Our consultation explores a range of options for how Allestree Park can be rewilded and enjoyed by all members of the community."

They said more than 1,300 people had already responded to the consultation providing a wide range of feedback.

The consultation closes on 11 April.