RECREATION OR DEGRADATION : AN EVALUATION OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF MOUNTAIN BIKING IN THE FORESTED AREAS OF SINGAPORE

Abstract

This thesis aims to study the impacts of mountain biking in managed and forested areas, manifested by the erosion it causes. It has been acknowledged that that mountain biking causes significant degradational impact on soils, whether vegetated or bare. As part of the investigation to examine the impacts of mountain bike riding, four experimental plots were established and they were of similar slope angle and length of contributing area. Site A (predominantly silty) and Site B (more clayey) are on an existing bike trail hence non-vegetated while the two others are designated to be the control (Site C) and experimental (Site D) sites located in nearby secondary forest. Sites A and B are compared to distinguish the vulnerability of different types of trail preparations. Comparing Sites A and B, with Site C (the control) will show how vegetation cover affects sediment production and runoff volumes. Site D is a specific experiment to gauge the impacts of illegal mountain biking in forested area. Mountain biking off designated trails is an increasing problem as mountain bikers often ride into the central catchment areas of Singapore in search of new recreation areas. It is hoped that based on the research results that some possible management suggestions made can contribute to future policy making regarding bike trails in Singapore. Two important conclusions can be drawn from this study. First, trail preparations with high clay content are favourable, as they seem to be more resistant to erosion but they also bring about higher runoff rates which may lead to higher erosion elsewhere. Second, mountain biking should be strongly discouraged in the forested catchment areas because of the negative impacts including soil compaction, trampling of vegetation, and increased soil erosion.