Pateley volunteers praised as progress is made on plans to create 'one of the best bicycle pump tracks in North Yorkshire'

“Dedicated” volunteers in Pateley Bridge have been praised after a major community-led project to create one of the best bicycle pump tracks in North Yorkshire took a new step forward.

The comments came after the town’s Deputy Mayor, Coun Chris Skaife, made a visit to the site of Pateley Bridge’s existing BMX track at Millennium Green.

The aim is to replace it with a much-improved, modern bicycle pump track that will be free, safe and inclusive with a hard-surfaced track for bikes, scooters, and skateboards.

During the visit, Pateley’s Deputy Mayor met the Director of Development at North Yorkshire Sport and members of the local volunteer group who had originally brought the idea for the pump track project to Pateley Bridge’ Town Council.

Pateley Bridge’s Deputy Mayor, Coun Chris Skaife, visits the site of the town's proposed modern bicycle pump rtrack where he met the Director of Development at North Yorkshire Sport and members of the local volunteer group. (Picture contributed)

"We would like to thank the dedicated volunteers leading the project, as well as all community members who participated in the recent public consultation." said a spokesperson for Pateley Bridge Town Council.

"Pump tracks provide many benefits: they encourage physical activity for all ages and skill levels, support social interaction, and help strengthen community ties.”

The project is being supported by David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, is part-funded by York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and will be delivered in partnership with North Yorkshire Sport.

The work to replace the existing BMX track replaced with a larger, purpose-built tarmac pump track has also received funding from Sport England Movement Fund, with Pateley Bridge Town Council contributing towards the overall project costs.

A feasibility study has now been published by Pateley Bridge Town Council and the project team is currently working through the planning process and progressing the remaining requirements before construction can begin.

In a step forward for Pateley Bridge’s push to bring one of the best bicycle pump tracks in North Yorkshire to the town, a preferred contractor has been selected to create the groundworks, following a formal tender process.

"This is a major community-led project,” said a spokesperson for Pateley Bridge Town Council.

"A new pump track will provide many benefits for the town, including encouraging physical activity for all age groups.”