Why Barnoldswick Would Benefit from a Pump Track: Building Skills, Community and a Healthier Future

Barnoldswick has always had a strong sense of community and a growing interest in outdoor sport, especially cycling. With more young people getting into BMX, mountain biking and general fitness, there’s never been a better time to invest in a facility that supports active lifestyles and gives local riders somewhere safe and exciting to develop their skills.

A pump track would be the perfect addition to the town.

Not only is it a low-maintenance, all-weather riding space, it’s something people of all ages can use, from toddlers on balance bikes to adults getting back into fitness. And with several suitable locations already available, the opportunity is right in front of us.

What Is a Pump Track?

If you’ve never ridden one, a pump track is a compact cycling track made up of rollers, berms and smooth, flowing features. Instead of pedalling, riders learn to “pump” through the terrain to generate speed.

It’s simple, safe and incredibly fun.

Pump tracks are designed for:

• BMX bikes

• Mountain bikes

• Kids’ bikes

• Scooters

• Skateboards

• Balance bikes

That makes them one of the most inclusive cycling facilities you can build.

Barrowford Pump Track: A Local Success Story

Just look at the impact the Barrowford Pump Track has had.

It’s become one of the most popular cycling spots in the area, attracting families, young riders and experienced BMXers alike. It has created a safe, supportive environment where kids can learn, progress and stay active.

Every Saturday morning, Pendle Panthers BMX Club run coaching sessions there, helping young racers build confidence, develop technique and stay enthusiastic about cycling. The track also hosts events such as the Summer Jam, which is always incredibly successful, drawing riders, spectators and a brilliant community atmosphere.

Barrowford has shown what’s possible when a pump track is designed properly and supported by the local community. There’s no reason Barnoldswick couldn’t experience the same benefits.

Why Barnoldswick Would Benefit from a Pump Track

A Healthier, More Active Community

With childhood inactivity rising nationally, a pump track encourages exercise in a way that doesn’t feel like traditional “exercise”.

Kids and adults get fitter without even realising it.

A Safe Space for Young Riders

At the moment, many young cyclists in Barnoldswick practise skills on pavements, car parks or unsuitable areas. A dedicated pump track would give them a safe, purpose-built environment designed specifically for progression.

Skills for Life

A pump track teaches fundamental skills that transfer into every form of cycling — and beyond:

• balance

• coordination

• bike handling

• confidence

• spatial awareness

• resilience

• risk management

Riders learn how to assess features, judge speed, make decisions and understand their limits — all within a controlled and supportive environment.

A Stronger Sense of Community

Pump tracks naturally become social spaces.

Parents chat. Kids make friends. Older riders help younger riders. Community groups gather.

They become positive, active hubs for the whole town.

Supporting Local Sport Development

With Pendle Panthers and a strong cycling scene nearby, a Barnoldswick pump track would feed into a wider network of youth sport, skills development and regular coaching opportunities.

Doing It Properly Matters

Some are built as quick, tick-box projects — small, awkwardly laid out, or without input from people who actually ride them. These tracks often see an initial burst of interest before usage gradually drops off.

The most successful pump tracks are designed with purpose. They’re built with proper flow, spacing and progression in mind, and shaped by people who understand how riders of different ages and abilities use them. A good pump track allows beginners to start safely, gives intermediate riders room to improve, and still challenges confident riders, all within the same space.

Crucially, that shared environment is inspiring. Younger or less experienced riders get to see what’s possible by watching more skilled riders use the track, helping build confidence, aspiration and progression naturally.

When done properly, a pump track becomes a long-term asset for the town, not a short-term gesture.

Low Maintenance, High Impact

Modern asphalt pump tracks are durable, all-weather and require very little ongoing maintenance, a major benefit for councils and community groups.

Once built properly, they offer years of value.

Where Could It Go?

Barnoldswick already has several green spaces that could host a pump track. Two obvious candidates are:

Victory Park - A central, easy-to-access location ideal for families.

Letcliffe Park - A scenic hillside space with room for a track that blends naturally into the environment.

Both locations have clear potential.

Economic Benefits for the Town

Pump tracks attract visitors, particularly families looking for free, outdoor activities.

That brings:

• increased footfall for local cafés

• more people using local shops

• positive visibility for Barnoldswick

• more reasons for people to visit and stay

It helps strengthen the town’s identity as a community that values outdoor activity, youth development and wellbeing.

An Investment in Barnoldswick’s Future

Barnoldswick has:

• the outdoor spaces

• the interest

• the community spirit

• a growing cycling culture

  
  

A well-designed pump track would bring long-term benefits for fitness, confidence, social development and local sport, just as it has in Barrowford.

It’s time to start the conversation.

It’s time to give Barnoldswick a pump track that’s built with purpose — and built to last.