Pedal power: Riders revved up about dirt jumps track

Published on 10 December 2024

Enthusiasm among bike riders continues to grow for the new dirt jumps track at Painted Hills Recreation Reserve in Doreen.

The dirt jumps track is the first of its kind to be built in the municipality and caters to beginner, intermediate and advanced riders.

The City of Whittlesea committed to building the track in response to a surge of interest in the sport from young residents.

Dirt jumps are jumps of various sizes made from compacted soil that riders, usually on mountain bikes, perform tricks on.

A lack of purpose-built facilities resulted in the building of unauthorised jumps on Council land, particularly during the COVID lockdowns.

Often located in conservation areas, these unauthorised jumps posed unacceptable risks to both riders and the natural environment.

The track at Painted Hills Recreation Reserve is part of a 12-month pilot program that will gauge the level of interest in dirt jumps in the community.

The success of the Council-funded pilot program, which began in September 2024, will be determined by how well the track is used and maintained by riders.

Council held a series of ‘Learn to Dig’ workshops in the lead up to the opening to teach riders how to effectively maintain the jumps.

Riders are encouraged to share their thoughts on the jumps throughout the 12-month trial by going to engage.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/dirtjumps

Quotes attributable to City of Whittlesea Mayor, Councillor Aidan McLindon:

“Thanks so much to the group of enthusiastic young people who have made this fantastic project possible. Council was able to assist by working closely with them to help design the track to bring their vision to life.”

“It's great to see so many young people now enjoying the jumps and having this space to hang out with their friends.”