DIRTT PROJECTWP 2: KEY FINDINGS TRAIL SECTOR & CONSUMER SURVEY
(FULL REPORT EXPECTED END OF AUGUST 2020)
DIRTTDeveloping Intereuropean Resources for Trail building Training
ERASMUS + : STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS IN THE FIELD OF TRAINING & EDUCATION
Period: Sept 2019 – Sept 2022 (36 months)
Project idea: Development of an Educational Framework in the domain of Trail Building
Project consortium: 8 partners, 6 countries
AIMS OF THE PROJECT
• Identify & bridge skill gaps in the sector
• Address lack of specific training in planning, design, construction, maintenance of MTB trails
• Create an EU set of MTB Trail Building Guidelines
• Establish an EU wide ‘Expert ‘Group & National Reference Groups in each partner country.
WHAT WILL THE PROJECT DELIVERDeliverables & Work Packages
DELIVERABLES
• Educational Framework
• EQF Level 5 (540 hour) College Course
• Courses for Professionals & Volunteers
• MTB Trail Tutors / Trainers
• Guidelines – Trail Building Techniques
WORK PACKAGES
1. National Reference Groups
2. Research – Industry & Riders
3. Educational Framework
4. Content for Courses(s) & Trail Building Guidelines
5. Train-the-Trainer
6. Pilot Training
7. Update Educational Framework
8. Communication & Dissemination
TRAIL SECTOR SURVEY (INDUSTRY)
KEY FINDINGS 121 respondents from 16 countries
TRAINING & CERTIFICATION IN GENERAL
• Clear demand for certified training
• Priority based on trail construction and trail maintenance training courses
• Relatively difficult to recruit skilled / competent employees
• Currently lack of sufficient training available (resulting in high percentage inhouse training)
• Vast majority felt that the introduction of additional certifcations would lead to an increase in quality &
sustainability of trails
• Industry recognised certification is highly valued
KEY FINDINGS (P)
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING NEEDS ANALYSIS (NEEDS GAPS)
• Planning: post-build processes and ongoing costs, design development and master planning
• Design
• Risk management techniques
• Translating design into construction documentation
• Developing the operations and maintenance plan
• Compliance with legislation
• Designing constructed trail features
KEY FINDINGS (P)
KEY FINDINGS (P)
KEY FINDINGS (V)
VOLUNTEER TRAINING NEEDS ANALYSIS (NEEDS GAPS)
• Planning
• Design development
• Master planning
• Environmental resources
• Undertaking feasibility study
KEY FINDINGS (V)
KEY FINDINGS (V)
HOT TOPICRIDER SURVEY(CONSUMER)
KEY FINDINGS 4324 respondents from 28 countries Aim: support trail sector survey by detailing demand of the end user
GENERAL FEATURES SURVEY RESPONDENTS
• 78% male, 21% female
• 33% - 36-45 years 26% - 26-35 years 23% - 46-55 years
KEY FINDINGS
GENERAL FEATURES SURVEY RESPONDENTS
• Motivations to ride
• Exercise
• Connection to nature
• Play
• Challenge
• Escape and solitude
KEY FINDINGS
TRAILS
• 90% of the respondents would like to progress their riding ability
• A significant proportion of riders (37%) indicated having insufficient access to trails suitable to facilitate their
skills progression
• 65% of the respondents indicated riding purpose built trails was important to them
• Forest roads are ridden almost exclusively to access other trails
• Easy singletrack and more technical trails are the most frequently ridden trails
• Highly ranked (desirable) trail qualities (throughout all types of trails): descents, optional/multiple lines and
surface quality
KEY FINDINGS
WHAT ELSE TO FIND IN THESURVEY REPORT?
• Riding frequency/ preference of
various trail types
• Preferred qualities per trail type
• Trail characteristics needed for skills
progression
• Attitudes towards trail access
• Attitudes towards volunteer trail work
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION & SUSTAINABILITY
EDUCATIONAL FRAMEWORKPREVIEW WP 3
PROGRAM CONSTRUCTION / SYLLABUS
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
DEVELOPING LEARNING OUTCOMES
COURSE COMPOSITION & ORGANISATION (BLENDED LEARNING)
BUILDING BLOCKS
1. Mountain Biking in Society
2. Mountain Bike Planning, Design & Management
3. Mountain Bike Trail Construction & Maintenance
Higher Vocational Education – stand alone course of 30 ECTS
Project Partners: