The Future of Pump Tracks: Where Are We Headed?

What’s next for pump tracks? We’re curious too! To get an idea of where they’re headed, we need to understand how they started. What kind of changes can we expect, and what exciting possibilities are on the horizon? Let’s take a quick trip back in time to see how pump tracks have evolved, and what that tells us about their future.

From Humble Beginnings: The Story of Pump Tracks

Did you know pumptracks have been around for over 50 years? It’s true! Back in the 1970s, it all started with simple dirt tracks—just mounds of earth and clay—built mainly for BMX riders.

Over time, especially as we moved into the 2000s, mountain bikers discovered the thrill of riding these dirt surfaces too. It was a lot of fun, but there was a catch. These tracks needed a lot of upkeep, and if it rained, they were pretty much unusable. That made them tricky for public parks and spaces. So, mostly, local cycling clubs or individuals took it upon themselves to build and maintain them.

Essentially, pump tracks grew from these grassroots efforts, fueled by the passion of riders who wanted a place to have fun and challenge themselves.

The Asphalt Revolution: Pump Tracks Take Off

About ten years ago, something exciting happened: pump tracks got a major upgrade with asphalt surfaces. This change sparked a real comeback for these fun tracks!

Why was asphalt such a game-changer? Well, it made pump tracks much tougher and longer-lasting. Plus, it meant they needed less upkeep and could be enjoyed rain or shine. And here’s the best part: with smooth asphalt, it wasn’t just bikes anymore. Skateboards, scooters, you name it—everyone could join in the fun. This opened up pump tracks to a whole new crowd, especially in our towns and cities.

Since 2014, the popularity of pump tracks has just exploded all over the world. It’s been amazing to see how much everyone loves them!

A Community Hub: The Joys and Challenges of Pump Tracks

Pump tracks have become a real hit, bringing together so many people! That’s a huge plus, but it also means we need to keep thinking about how to make them even better.

To keep pump tracks popular for years to come, we need to keep improving how they’re designed, built, and what materials we use. Our main goals are: making them even safer, keeping maintenance simple, and making sure everyone has a blast, no matter their skill level or what they’re riding.

It’s fantastic that one place, the pump track, can be enjoyed by so many different people. But that’s also where our challenge lies: how do we keep it fun and engaging for everyone in the long run? It’s all about finding that perfect balance to make sure everyone in communities feels welcome and excited to ride!

Creating a Diverse Range of Options

To keep pumptracks popular in the coming years, we are constantly working to develop an even broader range of options for riders. Soon, new types of pump tracks will complement existing ones, such as pump tracks with extra jumps. Another focus is on the flow factor: consistently flowing tracks will become even more important to meet the needs of a wide target group. Additionally, we see the future in hybrid facilities that combine jumps and various elements from skate parks, skills bike parks, and urban bike parks with a traditional pump track.

Smart Spaces: The New Mobility Park

We know that space is becoming more and more limited in towns and cities. That’s why we’re excited to introduce a brand-new idea: the Mobility Park!

This innovative space is designed to bring together different activities in one place. Imagine a spot where kids and adults can enjoy a pump track, practice real-life traffic skills, and relax in green areas. The Mobility Park is all about building skills and having fun. Young and old can improve their coordination, learn how to stay safe on our roads, or simply enjoy a good workout. It’s a place where action meets learning, and it’s set to become a hub for the whole community. We’ll be sharing more details about the Mobility Park soon, so keep an eye out! We think you’ll love it.

Building Better: Exploring New Pump Track Materials

We’re always looking for ways to make our pump tracks even better, and that includes exploring new and innovative building materials.

In the future, you might see pump tracks made with a variety of surfaces, not just asphalt. We’re experimenting with different options to see what works best for different needs and locations. Remember how we talked about the switch from dirt to asphalt? That change made a big difference in making pump tracks more popular. We’re confident that exploring new materials will bring even more positive changes!

One thing that won’t change is our commitment to green spaces. We believe that pump tracks should be surrounded by beautiful, natural environments. In fact, we think this will become even more important in the future. Imagine pump tracks with even larger green areas and plenty of trees to provide shade on sunny days. We’re excited to see how these new materials and green spaces will help us create even better pump tracks for everyone to enjoy!

Shaping the Future of Pump Tracks

So, what does the future hold for pump tracks? We’re moving in two exciting directions:

• New ways of building and innovative materials: We’re always exploring new construction methods and materials to make our pump tracks even better, safer, and more sustainable.
• More variety for everyone: We’re designing specialized pump tracks for different riding styles and skill levels, while also making our all-round tracks even more inclusive. This means incorporating elements from other sports facilities, like skate parks, to create exciting hybrid spaces.

At Alliance, we’re passionate about pushing the boundaries of pump track design and construction. While we currently focus on classic circuits, we’re also creating advanced specialized and hybrid pump tracks whenever space and budget allow.

In fact, our co-founder Martin will be sharing our vision for the future of pump tracks at the annual meeting of the Professional Trail Builders Association (PTBA) this April in the USA.

Ready to bring the pump track of tomorrow to your community?

We have the expertise and passion to help you create a thriving sports facility that will benefit your community for years to come. Contact us today, and let’s build something amazing together!