Friday, April 26, 2024
Cyclists enjoy riding on this bicycle pump track in northern Arkansas. (Courtesy photo)
A youth takes advantage of the features of a bicycle pump track, which requires much less pedaling, depending on the rider's approach. Pump tracks are a relatively new feature, and are highly acclaimed by many cycling enthusiasts. (Courtesy photo)
When Lauren Morrell of Gatesville heard that a new city park is planned near the fitness center, one of the ideas that came to mind is the possibility of including a state-of-the-art pump track for bicycles.
While many may not even have heard of a pump track, Morrell said including such a facility at the new Gatesville park would not only be beneficial to local residents, but could also serve as a feature attraction for visitors from outside the area.
Animation courtesy of https://www.parkitect.ch
"It's something for your consideration," Morrell told the Gatesville City Council during its Jan. 24 meeting. "The closest ones in Texas are in the San Antonio area. A benefit is that people will come from different areas like Waco or Dallas for this type of feature. Something like this would actually bring a lot of people into the community. They are very rare but very popular. It goes well with a walking track."
Morell said her husband is a cycling enthusiast, so their family has made special trips to enjoy the amenities of pump tracks.
A pump track is defined as "a looped sequence of rollers and berms — swoopy, banked turns — for bike riders. It's designed to maximize your momentum, so you can ride it with minimal pedaling," according to Parkitect.ch
The Parkitect website says this about pump tracks: "Besides being an innovative play park amenity trending in more and more public spaces, a pump track is a track for wheeled sports equipment that, when ridden properly, does not require pedaling or pushing, but a 'pumping' action to maintain momentum."
As for the cost, Morrell said, "They can be built for $250,000 and up. The one in Bentonville, Arkansas is 9,000 square feet and cost $350,000."
Because the suggestion by Morrell was part of the visitor's forum, the Council took no action and had no discussion on the topic during the meeting.
