Council Supports Proposal for Pump Track at Quidi Vidi Park

Monday, May 10, 2021 - 12:45 PM
AMBA Logo with bike chain in green and tree blowing in wind

Today at the Regular Meeting, City Council approved a proposal from the Avalon Mountain Bike Association (AMBA) to construct a pump track on the grounds of Quidi Vidi Park.

Council committed $60,000 to the largely community-led initiative which will cost between $150,000 and $175,000 to construct. The track will be funded through community contributions and a significant sponsorship of $100,000 from Canary Cycles.

“We are thrilled to support this amenity to the recreational activity at Quidi Vidi Park,” said Councillor Ian Froude. “Pump tracks are an effective way to develop biking skills that be used by cyclists of all ages and skill levels, as well as scooters, skateboards and wheelchairs. We are happy to see the community come together to propose and support recreation in our city.”

A pump track is a continuous loop of berms and “rollers” (smooth dirt or paved mounds) that is ridden by “pumping” your body up and down over the features to generate momentum, without pedaling or pushing.

“This project will build upon the outdoor recreation facilities currently in Quidi Vidi Park and we are excited to have it situated next to some of the best mountain bike trails in the region,” says Lachlan Roe-Bose, President of AMBA. “Paved pump tracks are economical and sustainable infrastructure designed to be accessible to people regardless of their age, ability or equipment. The construction of this pump track aligns with our objectives to develop, maintain and preserve shared-use mountain bike trails and to promote socially and environmentally responsible and accessible mountain biking for all ages and skill levels.”

“Canary Cycles is very excited about this project and the opportunities it will open for new and experienced cyclists,” says owner Don Planchat. “We view this pump track as an excellent way to promote physical activity and grow our cycling community in a centralized location in our city.”

Further details on the construction and official opening of the new pump track will be provided once available.

For more details on the project, visit AMBANL.ca or read the full project proposal in the Council Agenda for May 10.