Posted: 05 December 2011
Minister joins school children to launch route cards and new one-stop-website to boost growth of mountain biking in Scotland
The website can be found at www.dmbins.com
Scotland’s Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport got on her bike today (Monday) alongside some young mountain bike enthusiasts to launch a new one-stop-website for the sport in Scotland.
Graeme McLean, Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (DMBinS) Project Manager explains “Scotland has amazing off-road mountain biking trails for all abilities and offers us a great opportunity to get outside and enjoy the magnificent Scottish countryside. The website will make it easier for everyone to get on their bike and participate in this great activity.”
Shona Robison, Scottish Minister for Commonwealth Games and Sport, clarifies how mountain biking helps meet Government targets “The Government is committed to making Scotland a healthier, wealthier, greener and successful sporting nation. Mountain biking helps contribute to all of these targets and is accessible to a large number of Scottish residents.”
She added: “I love going out on my bike and regularly go for rides in the parks of Dundee. It is a great activity for the whole family and helps me stay fit and healthy.”
In addition to the information to help people get on their bike there is also a wealth of knowledge for everyone who is interested in developing mountain biking sustainably in Scotland.
Craig Burn, CEO of Scottish Cycling, which hosts the DMBinS project, describes how the website will help the sport of mountain biking grow “With toolkits such as ‘How to start a mountain biking club’ groups can see the steps they need to work through to establish a successful mountain biking club. In addition to the information there are resources available, such as free posters and template constitutions which really make the process as easy as possible. We believe the website will compliment the existing good work which is carried out by Scottish Cycling’s Regional Development Officers.”
With mountain biking already worth £139m to the Scottish economy and with growth expected at around 30% over the next five years mountain biking offers a great opportunity for businesses to develop.
Gordon Todd, Senior Project Executive, Scottish Enterprise, explains how the website will help tourism businesses: “Many tourism businesses would love to capitalise on this exciting growing market but are unsure of what measures they need to take to cater for mountain bikers. The website has helpful toolkits and practical tools such as free mountain biking photography which can be used within businesses marketing.”
Participation in mountain biking is expected to grow by 25% by 2015 and it is initiatives such as the such as the St Johns High School and Morgan Academy projects where local children have been enjoying mountain biking with Dundee Active Schools.
Shelley Booth, Active Schools Manager, explains why biking is such an important part of keeping children active: “We know from our experience of taking children and young people mountain biking the enjoyment which it delivers and is a great fun way to introduce them to the outdoors and a healthier lifestyle. The website and route cards look amazing and I am sure they will inspire families in Dundee to get on their bikes.”
The website can be found at www.dmbins.com
