Pendle’s double Olympic gold medallist Steven Burke OBE was impressed with the new state of the art BMX pump track at its official opening on Saturday by Pendle’s outgoing mayor, Councillor David Whalley.
Steven described the new track as “exciting” as the new 400m pump track opened at Pendle’s Steven Burke Sports Hub which is named in his honour.
Pendle Council’s new pump track has been developed with support from Cycle Sport Pendle (CSP) as part of the Council’s wider Steven Burke Hub which includes a racing circuit.
“People of all ages from six or seven and up are now welcome to try out the new 400 metre BMX track for free.
“And there’s an inner track for beginners,” explained Pendle Council’s Green Spaces Manager, Kieron Roberts.
“The pump track builder Dirtworks BMX, a British Cycling approved pump track contractor, has created a very unique pump track using the natural environment as a feature,” said Kieron.
“The local Fire Brigade helped out watering the new turf over the last week as we were concerned that the hot dry weather would destroy the freshly laid grass,” added Kieron.
The Hub is the base for Cycle Sport Pendle (CSP) which worked with Pendle Council to secure funding for the new facility.
The BMX track also includes small trials bike area with obstacles for cyclists to practice their bike tricks.
The BMX pump track is the new home of CSP’s Pendle Panthers BMX Group. Coach Manawar Bashah said:
“A pump track appeals to young people because it’s fun and exhilarating to ride!
“At BMX Panthers we take kids from the age of 6 or 7, depending on their skills.
“We meet every Saturday morning at 9.30am at the clubhouse at the Steven Burke Sports Hub.”
The new BMX track is located between Nelson, Barrowford and Colne and can be found off Cravendale Avenue, Nelson and via Wilton Street, Barrowford BB9 8PU.
