Singleton Council is encouraging mountain biking enthusiasts and potential mountain bikers to get involved in the project with consultants Common Ground Trails by completing a survey that opens today, or coming along to a drop-in session at Singleton Library on Wednesday, March 17 anytime between 5pm and 7pm.

As well as assessing the suitability of three potential sites on Fern Gully Road, Bridgman Road and Pioneer Road, the study also aims to understand rider preferences and the size of the mountain biking market in Singleton.

Justin Fitzpatrick-Barr, Council's Director Infrastructure and Planning said direct input from mountain biking enthusiasts was critical to any future plans for a facility in Singleton.

"Mountain biking is growing as a recreational activity right across the world, and we're seeing more and more mountain bikers in our region," he said.

"As an emerging sport, it opens up a lot of potential to provide a facility for our residents to help promote healthy lifestyles in our community.

"It's also a great opportunity to attract visitors to our area and to build on the promotion of Singleton as a destination for recreation and adventure.

"But we want to make sure we have a considered approach to whether a mountain bike trail network is feasible in Singleton, whether there's community support and what is the most suitable Council-owned site before any decision is made about what the next steps may be.

"That's why we've engaged Common Ground Trails for their experience and expertise, and why we're hoping to hear from as many people as possible about what they think."

The survey is available on Council's website, and people can meet with Council staff and Common Ground Trail representatives at a drop-in session any time between 5pm and 7pm at Singleton Library on Wednesday 17 March 2021. The survey closes on 24 March 2021.