Work has begun on a pump track in North Berwick which will create a fun and safe space for riders of all ages and abilities.
The track, which will be suitable for BMX bikes, scooters, skateboards, rollerblades and adapted wheelchairs, is expected to open in around six weeks.
The neighbourhood facility is being built on North Berwick Trust land next to Haddington Road on the town’s southern edge. Located near Law Primary School and North Berwick High School, the track is ideally situated for use before and after lessons.
It will form part of a new dog free community park - to be named Royal Burgh Park - with a wildflower meadow, tree planting, paths, and picnic benches.
The project is a partnership between the Trust, the North Berwick Community Pump Track Group and East Lothian Council.
The asphalt pump track, designed by Velosolutions UK to be welcoming and inclusive, will benefit everyone from beginners to seasoned riders.
Vibrant community space
At 120 metres in length and suitable for any age group, the cutting-edge circuit will have a series of rolling features of various heights along each straight. The interconnecting nature of the layout will provide creative riding options as well as a clear route on a continuous loop with a start and finish.
The site was chosen to encourage its users to walk, cycle, scoot or skate to their destination rather than travel by car. The North Berwick Trust are leasing the community park land to the council for a peppercorn rent as a gift to the town. East Lothian Council will be responsible for the track’s ongoing maintenance.
The pump track has received significant funding from sportscotland as well as the council.
Following the success of the popular Ormiston Park Pump Track which opened in 2021, East Lothian is set to further boost its cycling infrastructure with the development of additional tracks across the county.
Councillor Colin McGinn, East Lothian Council’s Spokesperson for Community Wellbeing and Sport, Countryside and Leisure, said: “I’m delighted this project is coming to fruition after years of planning. The creation of a pump track in North Berwick has received overwhelming local support, and I know there are so many people who can’t wait to try it out for the first time.
Fit and active
“We are grateful to the North Berwick Trust for identifying land and working in partnership to devise a vibrant community space that will encourage physical activity, social interaction, and skill-building in a safe environment. Along with promoting participating in cycling and other wheeled sports, the track will foster sustainable travel habits from an early age.”
Sir David Tweedie, Chair of the North Berwick Trust, said: “The Trust is delighted that after several years of discussion and planning the pump track, set in a newly landscaped park, is about to become a reality for the benefit of all in North Berwick. As a reminder of the town’s history and the foresight of the last town council in purchasing the Mains Farm for housing, the new park will be named the Royal Burgh Park.”
A spokesperson for the North Berwick Pump Track Group said: “Pump tracks promote a healthy outdoor lifestyle and become hives of positive community activity, encouraging all generations to come together to stay fit and active.”