Public consultation launches on a draft of the Strategy for Scottish Mountain Biking, 2026-2036

(Cover image by Pete Scullion)

MOUNTAIN BIKERS ACROSS SCOTLAND INVITED TO HELP SHAPE THE NEXT DECADE OF THE SPORT

Public consultation launches on a draft of the Strategy for Scottish Mountain Biking, 2026-2036

Mountain bikers across Scotland are being invited to help shape the future of the sport as public consultation opens on the first draft of the new Scottish Mountain Biking Strategy 2026–2036.

The strategy is being developed under the guidance of the Scottish Mountain Bike Consortium, a forum of members from across mountain biking, tourism, land management, public agencies and the wider outdoor sector. As the strategic leadership group for mountain biking in Scotland, the Consortium provides oversight and direction for the development of the new strategy, ensuring it reflects the needs of riders, communities and partners while supporting Scotland's wider ambitions for health and wellbeing, tourism, innovation, the environment and sustainable economic growth.

Building on the success of Scotland's first national mountain biking strategy, which established the country as a world leader in trail development, destination growth and community-led trail management, the new strategy aims to respond to changing rider needs while unlocking even greater social, environmental and economic benefits.

This development of this draft has been informed by a comprehensive programme of research, consultation, evaluation, and stakeholder engagement. This includes analysis of participation trends, economic impact data, industry intelligence, community feedback, and both formal and informal evidence gathered from riders, businesses, land managers, and partner organisations.

The strategy has 10 year ambitions across 6 interlinked themes:

• Trails and Supporting Infrastructure: Scotland offers the most diverse, high-quality, and sustainably managed mountain biking experiences in the world.
• Tourism Destination Development: Mountain biking is a key component of Scotland’s visitor economy, delivering high-value, year-round tourism experiences that benefit communities, businesses, and destinations across the country.
• Innovation, Enterprise and Research: Scotland is recognised globally as the leading location for cutting-edge mountain biking and cycling innovation, research, product development, and industry collaboration.
• Education and Skills Development: Scotland is a leader in developing the people, knowledge, and skills that underpin world-class mountain biking and off-road cycling
• Health and Wellbeing: Mountain biking is recognised and evidenced as an effective way of improving physical health, mental wellbeing, and social connection for people and communities across Scotland.
• Scots athletes Achieving on the World Stage: Scottish riders are consistently visible, competitive, and successful at the highest levels of international mountain biking and off-road cycling.

The public consultation is open to everyone with an interest in mountain biking in Scotland, from experienced riders and newcomers to clubs, businesses, volunteers, coaches and land managers.

Feedback will directly inform the final Scottish Mountain Biking Strategy 2026–2036, which will guide investment, collaboration and development across the sector over the next ten years.

The strategy will focus not only on growing participation but also on ensuring Scotland continues to lead internationally in sustainable trail management, responsible access, community-led development and innovative partnerships.

The consultation is now open and will remain available until 17th August 2026. Please send any comments to info@dmbins.com