Last Saturday, Totland Parish Council held the last of three meetings to consult with the public before finalising their plans for a cycle skills course to be built on a little used part of Totland Rec over the winter.
Part of a wider regeneration of Totland Rec, which will also include a new toilet block and tree planting, the aim is to deliver a facility which will be enjoyed by cyclists of all ages and abilities.
Downhill trails and dirt pump tracks
The plans revealed by the council include two downhill trails and two dirt pump tracks – one specifically designed for toddlers. This project will cost the council something in the region of £20,000 and will be built by experienced trail-builders.
Preliminary discussions have taken place with some of those behind the Southampton Bike Park, built for Southampton City Council.
A first of its kind
This will be a first of its kind on the Isle of Wight, but these sorts of cycle tracks are already popular across the country with councils looking to introduce new facilities on parks and recreation grounds which promote a healthy lifestyle and social inclusion.
Fun and beneficial for all
Members of Totland Parish Council have recognised the challenge many people face in trying to peel children and teenagers away from their screens to actively engage in some kind of sport or exercise.
Parish Clerk, Helen Gibbs said,
“We are hoping to deliver a resource that is fun and beneficial for all to use, which also enhances the recreation ground as a place for youngsters to meet up and spend time with their peers in a creative environment which fosters a sense of community.”
Investment in the village’s young people
In making this investment in the village’s young people, the Council hopes to relieve concerns about anti-social behaviour raised by some residents at the consultation meetings.
Although there has only been one incident on Totland Rec reported to the police over the last 12 months, Totland’s Council will aim to emulate the successes of other Council’s projects; such as the Trehafod BMX bike track in Wales which gained international recognition as one of the best initiatives for crime prevention after reducing anti-social behaviour in the area by 70 per cent.
West Wight leading the way
It has long been the case that, in some parts of the country like Surrey and Kent, every town and village has their own skatepark or cycle track.
Now, with neighbouring Freshwater having already announced plans for a concrete skatepark and pump track as part of the skatepark redevelopment, the West Wight seems set to lead the Island in joining them.
What’s a pump track?
The idea of a pump track is for the rider to generate all of their speed and momentum by moving their arms and legs to “pump” the rollers and corners – think of it in the same way as you can generate momentum on a swing.
News shared by Ieuan Jehu, in his own words. Ed
Image: samsaunders under CC BY 2.0
