Municipalities with pump tracks have better bike riders
This official statement from the Swiss police sounds logical: “Communities with pump tracks have better cyclists.” We still wondered what defines a good cyclist. Our conclusion: Not just someone who knows how to ride a bike – but someone who has developed additional skills on the bike. So, someone who is safe on the bike.
People living in cities are changing their habits. Instead of driving, they’ve started to use their bikes more often. The number of reported bike commuters has nearly doubled in the last two decades. Biking is a relatively inexpensive activity and mode of transportation, so it’s no surprise that it’s popular around the world. In fact, biking statistics show that bicycles have become a popular mode of transportation for commuting and running errands. This makes sense, as it is a reliable, sustainable, and sometimes the fastest mode of transportation.
With more people riding their bikes, there are even more potential accidents. Skills, confidence, and good physical condition on a bike contribute to cyclist safety. And what is a better place to practice all three things in one place than a pump track?
Inclusive and versatile playground
A pump track is for sure an inclusive and versatile sports playground, for all generations and skill levels. Unlike bicycle lanes or even roads, it is also a safe and controlled environment.
Regardless of age and type of wheeled sports equipment, a pump track is a place of choice, to develop your skills and become a better as well as a safer rider. Younger users gain riding skills and confidence. Advanced riders can refine their technique. There is no age limit on fun!
A guaranteed fun factor
What better way to learn new, much-needed daily cycling skills than with a fun and inclusive sports playground?
Some like to take it slowly and surely, while others enjoy the adrenaline rush coursing through their veins. A pump track covers both – there’s no limit to the fun you can have riding through the loops and waves.
Accessibility
By accessibility we mean two things: first, you do not need expensive sports equipment to join the crowds. Most pump tracks are in the public domain and serve the community, which is why there is no entrance fee for their use.
The second point regarding accessibility is that the pump tracks can be used all day long, no matter the weather. Please note, however, that some of the pump tracks are intended for daylight use, some have operating hours, and some are equipped with lights that can be turned on at any time. So, there’s no real excuse why you should not visit a pump track near you.
Safety first
A pump track is a safe environment where you can learn new skills and progress fast. You can adjust the speed to your level of knowledge and courage.
It’s also a place where the courage to do it faster and farther will sooner or later become part of the game. So, make sure you wear a helmet (and other safety gear) and follow the instructions on the info board near the pump track.
You can read more about safety in one of our previous blog post.
It keeps you fit
We have not really written much about this topic but riding a pump track can be exhausting. Even kids with lots of energy need to take a break after a few laps.
You can plan a real interval workout on a pump track that will help you last longer and beat the “never too tired” kids.
Want to have better riders in your community too? Contact us! We will help to implement a pump track in your community.
*Source: International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities (IAKS) Conference: https://iaks.sport/news/denmark-leading-way-active-living at the presentation “The importance of physical activity opportunities for outdoor physical activity” (Bjarne Ibsen, Professor at Centre for Sports, Health and Civil Society, University of Southern Denmark)
