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Popularity Of Trail Bike Riding

In 2008, the State Trail Bike Strategy  estimated 50,000 bikes being actively ridden and this did not take into account the recent ROV category (eg side by sides) and Chinese imports. It is estimated that the value of recreational trail bike riding to the Western Australian economy is in excess of $140 million per annum and has increased significantly since that time. 

With more than 50% of all motorcycle sales in Australia in 2022 being trail bikes (Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries 2021-2024), this segment is important and should not be overlooked.  Direct sales and associated expenditure make a significant contribution to the local and state economy, with the annual economic benefit from the Manjimup Trail Bike Hub projected to surpass 13.1 million per annum (MTBH Feasibility study, 2017).

“The global dirt bike market was valued at $9.1 billion in 2021, and is projected to reach $18 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 7.0% from 2022 to 2031”~ https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/dirt-bike-market

The Manjimup region has a long and successful history with motocross and off‐road motorcycling. Enduro events have been held in the forests and plantations around Manjimup for over forty two years. These events, the equivalent of car rallies with a series of timed ‘special test’ sections interspersed with transport sections, attract riders from throughout the state and capitalise on Manjimup’s favourable soil conditions and extensive network of old logging trails. The first Two Day Enduro was held in 1976 and has been run almost continuously since then, often as a round of the Western Australian State Enduro Championships. The Australian Four Day Enduro, the most prestigious event on the national enduro calendar, was held in Manjimup in 1997.

Trail bike riders generally seek the same type of outdoor recreational experience as many other outdoor enthusiasts. Freedom, getting away from it all, adventure, exploring, stress relief, relaxation, challenge, testing yourself, skills improvement, adrenalin, thrill, excitement, getting off the beaten track, exercise and fitness and enjoying the outdoors, environment, and scenery.

The WA Strategic Trails Blueprint 2022-2027  states: “Trail bike riding incorporates both road registered and off-road registered vehicles. The majority of trail bike riding is done by licensed riders on road registered trail bikes on the many thousands of kilometres of popular legal routes on roads and tracks across the state. There are limited opportunities for sanctioned off-road recreational trail bike riding experiences in the State and no long distance trails exist. Lack of sanctioned off-road trails and facilities has significant impact on other trail users as well as impacting environmental and other values. Planning for the establishment of the Manjimup Trail Bike Hub continues with experiences tailored to specific trail bike rider segments currently being developed.”

Keep Reading: Economic Opportunity.

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