Fundraising Drive Initiated for Renovation of Stroud Bike Pump Track

An initiative to raise funds via crowdfunding has commenced, aiming for “a complete professional rebuild” of a local bike pump track. Situated in Victory Park, Stroud, the track features a course of rollers, banked turns, and other elements specifically designed for riders to create momentum through vertical body movements. Cainscross Town Council requires an additional £10,000 to achieve its £40,000 fundraising goal, having already secured £30,000 through its own funds, various grants, and contributions. Liane James, who serves as a project officer for the council, stated: “We want to reinstate our track and make it fit for purpose for years to come.” Sports England has committed a matching pledge of £5,000 towards the crowdfunding effort. Consequently, should the council successfully raise £5,000, Sports England will contribute an equivalent sum, thereby meeting the £10,000 objective. According to Ms James, the track is “very tired,” having been initially built by a group of young individuals forty years prior. Ms James commented, “There aren’t many bike tracks around and we need to get kids outside exercising.” She added, “We know we have a mental health crisis with youngsters and we want to encourage people to make bike riding a part of their everyday lives.” “So, putting this track back to what it should be, in fact, better than it’s ever been, is something I feel is important to the area and local youngsters,” she further explained. “After speaking to the youngsters that still use the track, and have taken shovels to it themselves, and also local families, we know the community wants it,” Ms James concluded. Should the council surpass its crowdfunding objective, any surplus funds would be allocated towards developing “a more sophisticated” track, incorporating additional features, signage, and improved landscaping in the surrounding area. The fundraising initiative is scheduled to conclude on 15 December. For updates, follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external sites. Information regarding our approach to external linking is available.