A new cycling attraction has opened in North Yorkshire, giving riders of all ages and abilities a safe place to build their skills.
Richmond Bike Park opened to the public on Saturday, October 24, after a soft launch on October 10.
The community-led park gives beginners and experienced riders an accessible place to improve their skills.
Organisers say the park helps riders build confidence before tackling trails across the North Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors and County Durham.
The project is backed by the Shimano Trail Born Fund, a global initiative supporting grassroots cycling projects across Europe and North America.
Project manager Louise Raine said the park makes cycling more accessible while promoting its physical, mental and social benefits.
She said: "Richmond Bike Park is a community-led trail and skills facility designed to make mountain biking accessible, inclusive, and progression-focused for riders of all ages and abilities.
"Developed with the support of a specialist trail builder for the main trail works and maintained by local volunteers, the park provides a safe and structured environment where riders can build skills, confidence, and a lifelong connection to cycling.
"It also acts as an important stepping stone to the wider trail networks of the North Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors and County Durham, helping riders progress from first experiences into more advanced riding.
"Alongside this, the park supports physical and mental wellbeing and brings people together through shared activity.
"With growing demand and strong engagement from families and grassroots riders, Richmond Bike Park continues to evolve as a valuable local asset, creating more opportunities for more people to ride."
Work on the next phase of trails is due to start in spring and finish by autumn.
Ms Raine said Shimano’s support had been key to the project’s growth.
She added: "The Shimano Trail Born funding is a genuine catalyst for us.
It enables us to build more sustainable, higher-quality trails and expand what we offer to the community.
"Just as importantly, Shimano’s support brings real confidence and credibility to the project, helping us grow in the right way and reach more people.
"It means we can open up the sport to a wider audience, giving riders of all backgrounds the chance to progress, feel included, and take that next step into the wider trail network."
Organisers hope the venue will become a hub for local riders and encourage more people to take up cycling and outdoor activities.
Here are pictures from Richmond Bike Park’s opening weekend:
A new bike park in Richmond, North Yorkshire. Picture: CHRIS BOOTH (Image: CHRIS BOOTH)
(Image: CHRIS BOOTH)
(Image: CHRIS BOOTH)
(Image: CHRIS BOOTH)
(Image: CHRIS BOOTH)
(Image: CHRIS BOOTH)
(Image: CHRIS BOOTH)
The project also secured £85,000 from Harmony Energy, alongside support from the National Lottery, Sport England, Broadacres Housing Association and the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Around 18 volunteers have agreed to inspect the trails weekly, while organisers are seeking further help with litter picking and general upkeep.
Coaching sessions are also planned from the spring, with volunteer coaches undergoing training and younger volunteers being supported to gain qualifications.