A petition is calling for a pump track to be built in Pontypool Park to “draw visiting families and riders from across South Wales”.
A pump track is a small circuit of smooth bumps and banked corners that riders can loop around without pedalling. Instead of pushing with your feet, you build up speed by moving your body up and down over the bumps – a technique known as pumping.
Ellis Davies, from New Inn, is a lifelong bike rider and works in a bike shop in Newport. He started the petition to ask Torfaen Council to invest in a facility that he said would be a “flagship regional attraction” due to the scarcity of pump tracks in the area.
He told Cwmbran Life: “As you crest a roller, you push down heavily with your arms and legs into the downslope, effectively transferring your body weight to generate forward speed. By timing these pushes with the ups and downs of the track, you can maintain or even increase your speed indefinitely. Because the momentum is entirely rider-powered and the surface is uniform, pump tracks are incredibly safe and accessible.
Fun and accessible
“They are usually relatively compact loops and can be ridden by almost anyone on wheeled equipment, including mountain bikes, BMXs, skateboards, scooters, and rollerblades. It serves as both a highly effective skills training ground for advanced riders looking to improve their bike handling and a fun, accessible community space for children and beginners learning basic balance.
“The current park is usable, not in perfect condition, but is still used by a smaller group of people. It’s right next to the kids’ play park.
“The idea is not necessarily to replace the skatepark that’s there, but rather than the council use the funds to build a new skatepark, build a pumptrack instead and leave the skatepark as it is.
“Estimated costs haven’t been finalised. I’ve been approached by two renowned pump track building companies who have offered to give me estimated quotes to support my proposal.
“I believe Pontypool has a big biking influence, and a pump track would cater for a much wider variety of individuals in Pontypool than a skatepark would, from all ages.”
Cllr Nick Byrne presented the petition at the council’s full meeting on 21 July. The petition was accepted by so there will be an official response to it at a future meeting.
Councillor Mandy Owen, executive member for the environment, said: “We are listening to the views of the community and exploring opportunities to enhance wheeled sports provision in Torfaen. Options for skate park and pump track facilities are being considered and any proposal will be developed in consultation with local communities.”