Harrison “Harry” Hall’s passion for mountain biking inspired his family’s campaign for local trails in Gordon. Photo: GoFundMe Campaign
A community campaign for purpose-built mountain bike trails in Gordon is asking the ACT Government to give young people and families in the Lanyon Valley more opportunities to ride locally.
The petition seeks a formal assessment of Gordon’s suitability, community consultation, environmental investigations and advice on design and funding.
For organisers Tracy and Christian Hall, the campaign is also about carrying forward their son’s idea. Harrison, known to his mates as Harry, and his friend Charlie wanted a mountain bike track in Gordon where local young people could ride and spend time together.
Following Harry’s death in September, his parents began working to turn that shared ambition into something the community could enjoy for years to come.
“As his parents, we are determined to make Harrison’s vision come to fruition,” they write on the project’s fundraising page.
Canberra’s south needs a stronger voice
Petitioners say limited local facilities leave Lanyon Valley riders travelling elsewhere in Canberra or using informal tracks that may be unsafe or unsuitable for the surrounding environment. They identify Gordon’s terrain and connections to the Centenary and Bicentennial trails as reasons to investigate the area.
For Pedal Power, the proposal highlights the importance of having places to ride within reach of home. A young person’s opportunity to develop their skills should not depend on a parent having the time and transport to take them across Canberra.
We believe Canberra’s south is too often underrepresented in infrastructure planning. Local demand for riding facilities deserves greater attention when investment priorities are set, and young people should have a meaningful say in the spaces provided for them.
The Gordon campaign presents an opportunity to listen to those riders and assess how their needs could be met.
An established case for local riding facilities
The ACT’s own mountain biking plans recognise the importance of accessible facilities.
The Canberra Mountain Bike Report 2021, prepared for the ACT Parks and Conservation Service, identified opportunities for beginners as critical to the sport’s development. It highlighted easy trails, skills parks, training sessions and suburban pump tracks, alongside a Canberra case study of community involvement in children’s skills trails.
Research also points to benefits from supported opportunities to ride. A 2025 review in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine examined five studies of adolescent mountain biking programs. Participation was associated with improved confidence, resilience and social connection, although the evidence remains preliminary and mentoring, peer support and time outdoors also contributed to participants’ experiences.
For Gordon, these findings strengthen the case for involving the comunity early. Their input would help establish what facilities people would use, which abilities they should accommodate and how newcomers could get involved.
Give the proposal a proper assessment
Pedal Power supports the petition’s call for investigation and consultation.
An assessment should consider environmental and cultural values, trail design, other recreational users and safe access from surrounding neighbourhoods. It should also establish how any future trails would be managed, maintained and funded.
The community has put forward a proposal and asked the Government to examine it. We want a clear response and a process that gives southern Canberra’s riding needs proper consideration.
Support the community campaign
The petition is open to ACT residents and closes on 25 November 2026. You can also support Harry and Charlie’s vision by donating to, or sharing, the family’s fundraiser.
