Campaign launched to rebuild 'tired' bike track

The track was first created by local young people in the 1980s, but needs to be made fit for purpose

A crowdfunder campaign has been launched for a bike pump track to undergo "a complete professional rebuild".

The track in Victory Park, Stroud, comprises of a circuit of rollers, banked turns and features designed to be ridden using up and down body movements to generate momentum.

Cainscross Town Council needs to raise £10,000 to reach its £40,000 target. It already has £30k from its own purse, grants, and donations.

Liane James, project officer at the council, said: "We want to reinstate our track and make it fit for purpose for years to come."

Sports England has granted a crowdfunder match pledge of £5,000.

This means, if the council manages to raise £5,000, Sports England will match that amount to fulfil the £10,000 goal.

Ms James said the track is "very tired" after originally being constructed by a group of young people four decades ago.

"There aren't many bike tracks around and we need to get kids outside exercising," Ms James said.

'The community wants it'

"We know we have a mental health crisis with youngsters and we want to encourage people to make bike riding a part of their everyday lives.

"So, putting this track back to what it should be, in fact, better than it's ever been, is something I feel is important to the area and local youngsters.

"After speaking to the youngsters that still use the track, and have taken shovels to it themselves, and also local families, we know the community wants it."

If the council exceeds its crowdfunding goal, it would use the additional money to create "a more sophisticated" track, with extra track features, signage, and landscaping around the track.

The fundraiser campaign will end on 15 December.