The aims

The aims of the development clusters is to provide strategic direction and co-ordination at a regional basis, ensure the spread of good practice and provide a point of contact to communicate information from local to national level.

What is involved?
- An assessment of the existing local provision, potential for development and widening of the participation base.
- The identification and subsequent promotion of networks of routes suitable for off-road cycling which require minimal management and are, or could be, way-marked
- Production of a Cluster development plan to identify key local actions and sources of funding and support, in line with the implementation plan for the framework
- Cycle-friendly connections which link the purpose-built and promoted facilities and the wider access network
- Coordinated marketing including the preparation of specific materials including maps to promote the Cluster, in line with national guidance
- Arrangements to enable businesses to work together to enhance the commercial returns from the activity in the area
- Responsibility for ensuring that any new developments are sustainable and established to appropriate standards, in line with national guidance
- Establishment and promotion of local competitions, events, training and club development
- Sharing of good practice and communicate issues that could be addressed at a national level.

An example of a cluster model working - The 7 Stanes
- 7 Stanes is a series of 7 mountain biking areas located in Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders
- The official development of the 7 Stanes began in 2001 and has now completed phase 2, an evaluation of which is now available at http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/INFD-7BXLJM
- The success of the 7 Stanes has partly been attributed to positive partnership working, a key feature of the project
- The project has helped create 205 full time equivalent (FTE) jobs in southern Scotland
- Overseas visitors and UK visitors to the 7stanes from outside Scotland have increased to 37 per cent - an increase of over 60% since 2004
- The number of mountain bikers who bring their children with them has also increased to 15 % - from 10 % cent in 2004
- The total number of visitors riding all the 7stanes puts it amongst the top 20 visitor attractions in Scotland
- Almost all visitors were impressed with the 7stanes, with over 75 per cent of respondents saying that the quality of the trails was very good.
- Visitor spend on the 7stanes was over £9 million in 2007. (Further information available here