Pendle’s double Olympic gold medallist Steven Burke MBE will try out a different sort of cycling – without pedalling – at the official opening of the BMX pump track in Pendle.
The new state of the art 400 metre pump track will be opened by Pendle’s Mayor, Councillor David Whalley on Saturday 12 May at 12 noon.
There’ll be a family friendly event until 4pm including a DJ, a Go Velo bike to cycle power your own smoothie and there’ll be a duck race at 1pm!
Pendle’s global bike component manufacturer, Hope Technology, will be bringing their new carbon fibre mountain bike for people to see.
And there’ll be a cake stall and other food stalls to raise funds for North West Air Ambulance and Cycle Sport Pendle.
Steven Burke MBE endorsed the plans from the beginning, as an important part of the Sports Hub and racing cycle track named in his honour.
Steven Burke said: “It’s really exciting and I’m looking forward to having a go on the pump track.
“It’s something I have never done but I would have found it great fun when I was starting out.”
Kieron Roberts, Pendle Council’s Green Spaces Manager, said: “Come and join us for a great free event!
“If you can, cycle in and try out the new track – or borrow one of our BMX bikes.
“At the event you can watch local BMX talent in action on the new track.
“The new track is stage two of the development of the Steven Burke Sports Hub at Swinden Playing Fields which already includes a racing circuit.”
The Sports Hub is located between Nelson, Barrowford and Colne and can be found off Cravendale Avenue, Nelson and via Wilton Street, Barrowford BB9 8PU.
The new pump track includes starting mound, over 200 metres of track with jumps and an inner training track for complete beginners.
Tricia Wilson who leads on cycling for Pendle Council said: “We’ve been working with Cycle Sport Pendle (CSP) to find the funding for Phase 2 of the Steven Burke Sports Hub.
“After years of campaigning, we’re thrilled that we can open the new £65,000 BMX pump track!
“It’s a fantastic free facility and means that Pendle people of all ages and abilities, as well as visitors, will be able to enjoy healthy exercise in safety, away from roads.”
The new track will be the home of CSP’s Pendle Panthers BMX Group.
Funding from The Lancashire Environment Fund, Pendle Council and the Council’s Nelson and Barrowford and Western Parishes Area Commitees, Newground and Cycle Sport Pendle and Tesco has made the new track possible.
And work will continue after the launch to extend the trials area and there’ll be new seating and shelters funded by Lancashire County Council.
Manawar Bashah a coach for CSP Pendle Panthers said: “A pump track is the kind of facility that appeals to young people. They are drawn to it because it’s fun and exhilarating to ride!
“The new pump track will give cyclists the skills to concentrate on off-road riding or, like Steven Burke, move to velodrome cycling or road racing,” he explained.
“At CSP Panthers we take kids from the age of 6 or 7, depending on their skills.
“Pendle Panthers meet every Saturday morning at 9.30am at the CSP clubhouse at the Steven Burke Sports Hub.
“Come and find out more at our event on Saturday 12 May.”
