A study into the social practice of mountain biking and its impacts within the English Lake District.

Abstract

This research project aims to investigate the recreational activity of mountain
biking, the feelings and opinions of its participants, its impacts and highlight any
issues that will be of use to trail management. The research will be focused in the
Lake District National Park in England. The aim of this project is to add to what little
previous research related to the activity of mountain biking there has been. Most of
this previous research whilst in sufficient depth has focused on the environmental
aspect of mountain bike impacts, little on the social side. Of the research that has,
only one has taken place in the United Kingdom, more than ten years ago and not
specifically in the Lake District; which is a major centre for mountain biking in this
country. This research hopes to study the recreational activity of mountain biking,
firstly the mentality of its users, so the reasons behind any decisions they make is
clearer, before focusing on the impacts mountain biking has, especially the conflict
bikers have with walkers. With the hope of highlighting any issues that will be of
use to National Park managers.
The research will be compared to other research on the activity, with similar
conclusions expected. However planning options unique to the Lake District will
may also be found.