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With the help of Common Ground Trails, we are preparing a Bike Facility Feasibility Study and Location Assessment, to assess site suitability and help us plan for future bike facilities in a coordinated and strategic manner across the City.

The location assessment has considered several locations for future bike facilities, and determined four of the seven sites are suitable for future bike facilities.

We want to hear your ideas!

Share your thoughts on locations and types of facilities, including pump tracks, bike playgrounds, learn-to-ride trails, skills tracks, MTB or urban flow trails.



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Investigating recreational bike facilities aligns with Council’s Open Space and Recreation Strategy. A Bike Facility Feasibility Study and Location Assessment will:

  • provide an understanding of community needs for bike facilities across Shellharbour
  • be informed by community to get feedback
  • consider public safety and social impacts when developing bike facilities
  • assess the suitability of locations for bike facilities
  • provide management options for informal bike tracks that have caused damage to the environment.
  • inform appropriate bike facility types in certain locations

The location assessment has considered several locations for future bike facilities, including:

  • Balarang Reserve, Oak Flats
  • Pioneer Park, Shellharbour
  • Con O’Keefe Park, Albion Park
  • Wilson Memorial Park, Albion Park Rail
  • Reserve 116 (Jarrah Way), Albion Park Rail
  • Terry Reserve (part of), Croome
  • Blackbutt Forest Reserve, Blackbutt

Of these sites, the assessment has determined the following sites are most appropriate. Click through to the map to learn more about the sites and recommendations.

  • Balarang Reserve, Oak Flats
  • Pioneer Park, Shellharbour
  • Con O’Keefe Park, Albion Park
  • Wilson Memorial Park, Albion Park Rail

Each site was assessed against a multi-criteria list to eliminate bias and to ensure consistent assessment criteria. Considerations include:

  • Physical site condition and finishes
  • Technical site considerations
  • Access and Transport
  • Passive Surveillance, Security and Safety
  • Supporting Amenities
  • Impact on existing facilities, environment, adjoining users and uses
  • Opportunities and constraints
  • Context

While there are many types of bike facilities, this study will focus on the options listed below



Pump Track

  • A pump track is a 1-3 metre wide track for bikes, skateboards, inline skates, and scooters.
  • It has berms and rollers that let riders practice without pedalling, using a "pumping" motion to maintain speed.
  • Pump tracks can be ridden continuously and provide challenges for all skill levels.
  • Beginners can roll over features, while advanced riders can pump or jump.

Urban Flow Trails

  • A Flow Trail is a type of mountain biking trail that has been designed to provide a smooth, continuous ride.
  • Features minimal obstacles to help riders maintain speed and momentum.

Skills Trails

  • Skills trails include man-made technical features that test riders' abilities.
  • These trails provide opportunities to practice features commonly found on regional mountain bike trails.
  • Typical features may include log rollovers, log rides, balance planks, rock drops and other technical elements
  • Trails may also incorporate street features like rails or wallrides.
  • Freeride stunts may be included, such as ladder bridges, skinny, teeters and drops
  • All features are designed with progression, allowing riders to start with smaller elements and build confidence toward tackling larger features.


Learn to Ride Tracks

  • Learn to Ride Tracks contain short flat circuits with line marking and signs emulating road conditions.
  • These facilities are popular with young children and intended to introduce safe riding skills.

Mountain Bike Trails / Single Track Trail Network

  • Mountain bike trails are specially designed for various terrains.
  • Trails include a mix of features and styles to enhance the riding experience.
  • They are built with technical features that range in difficulty from beginner to advanced

Bike Playground

  • A collection of features for children to explore their abilities and have fun in a safe, repeatable environment.
  • Children improve their balance and coordination while navigating playground structures.
  • Enhances strength and bike handling skills through active play.

Community and stakeholder engagement will be open for three weeks. Once the engagement period has finished, the feedback will be collected, incorporated into the project, and a consultation report will be prepared.

The team at Common Ground Trails will then finalise the Bike site assessments and recommendations (including trail type) and outline estimated costs.

A draft Bike Facility Feasibility Study and Location Assessment will be presented to Council for consideration, it will be recommended that the Study be placed on public exhibition. This will be another opportunity for community to share feedback.

Depending on the public exhibition outcomes, another report to Council may be required, to adopt the final Study.

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