Our latest Bicycle User Group (BUG) forum took place in October, creating a platform for some of the most passionate cycling advocates in NSW to share their ideas.
One of the highlights of the forum was the opportunity to hear from Orange BUG.
From running regular rides to local campaigns, Orange BUG is at the heart of promoting community and recreational cycling in Orange and the Central West region.
As well as these ongoing initiatives, they have worked incredibly hard to support the creation of a 95-page business case to develop and construct the Orange Region Food and Wine Trail. A concept that would connect 40km of trails, showcasing the area, and attracting extensive tourism opportunities.
It is an ambitious and exciting idea that provides an example for other organisations around NSW to look towards.
Business case for the Orange Region Food and Wine Trail
NSW: a step behind the rest of Australia
Orange BUG’s proposal is inspired by and builds on the demonstrated success of wine region cycling throughout Australia, from the Riesling trail in South Australia to the trails of the Victorian high country, between Bright and Myrtleford.
NSW has some catching up to do, and Orange BUG are leading the way with their proposal.
Carolynne James, President of Orange BUG, amongst the fields of canola (Image: Orange BUG)
Summary of the Orange Region Food and Wine Trail
Key features:
- 40km of safe, off-road trails suitable for cycling and walkers
- directly accessing over 20 wineries and providore businesses
- structured across 3 Hubs with supporting amenities
- offering a diverse, active experience suitable for all ages and abilities and showcasing the landscape of the Central West
Key benefits:
- over $50million in economic and community benefits
- 100 plus jobs over construction and operations
- providing a profitable and sustainable active experience for locals and visitors
The trail is organised around three ‘hubs’, each with its own character and set of experiences, and each with a central node with bike hire, toilets and car parking.
Read the full 95 page business case
"There is a long way to go to get this project from idea to reality" says Carolynne James, President of Orange BUG. "Being a BUG and an incorporated association, that is linked to Bicycle NSW and its influence, has really helped us win the grant for this project. This relationship continues to open the doors of councils and other important stakeholders to move the project forward."
The NSW landscapes are so beautiful and Orange BUG is working hard to showcase them (Image: Orange BUG)
More active transport in Orange
Orange City Council has been developing a new Open Space and Recreation Strategy as well as a new Active Transport Strategy.
The most recent drafts of these strategies were published in October 2025. They serve as a guide for how the Council will plan, design and manage open spaces and recreation facilities across Orange over the next 10 years.
Want to find out more about Orange BUG?
Orange BUG membership is incredibly cheap - just $10 for an individual and $20 for a family. And with those fees, the group has done some amazing work to support cycling opportunities and facilities in the region.
Website: https://www.orangebugs.org/
Follow Orange BUG on: Facebook
Or find a BUG near you?
Explore the map to find the local group in your local area.
This piece is part of a series of stories featuring the many active and dedicated BUGs throughout NSW. Over the last two years we have written about the Inner West Bicycle Coalition, CAMWEST, Western Sydney Cycling Network, BikeEast, Sydney Spokes, Bike North and Newcastle Cycleways Movement.
Join Bicycle NSW
Bicycle NSW is the only bicycle advocacy group based in NSW with full-time staff advocating every day for all riders. Our small team is dedicated to making NSW better for bike riding.
But did you know that we are funded only by membership fees and donations?