Exciting new pump track opens in Exeter

BMX riders and mountain bikers are enjoying an exciting new facility in Exeter.

Thrillseekers are getting to grips with a new pump track in Heavitree Pleasure Ground. The facility has been installed by Exeter City Council working in partnership with Park Life Heavitree.

The dirt track is a continuous loop of banked turns, rollers and jumps that enables users to generate speed with little or no pedalling.

Cllr David Harvey, Lead Councillor for Environment and City Management, said the new facility was a vast improvement on the old BMX jumps on the edge of the park.

The original facility had to be moved to allow local group Park Life Heavitree to realise its dreams of bringing café and community hub to the park. Planning permission has already been granted for the facility and the building will start taking shape at the end of the school holidays.

"The new BMX track is already going down well with youngsters in the park," said Cllr Harvey. "It's now in a better location and allows Park Life Heavitree to develop their other community facilities in the park."

Members of the public were consulted on the design and new location of the track and the Council and Tim Ruck (formerly of the Boarding House) were able to gather in feedback - which was very positive, especially from younger users.

The new and improved track was designed by Forte Trailscapes and can be used by BMX, mountain bikes and even balance bikes.

Pump tracks require riders to push down through bending of arms and legs on the downward slope of any roller or jump. This action is similar to keeping momentum on a swing by moving legs forward & backwards.

To perfect the technique can take time, but this track offers a challenge to both the novice and expert rider.