More Girls on the Pump Track — Designing Inclusive Spaces for Everyone
When we build pump tracks and public sports spaces, many of them end up mostly used by boys and men. If we want truly inclusive community infrastructure, we should ask — how can we encourage girls and women to use these facilities too? On International Women’s Day, it’s worth exploring what changes help make pump tracks welcoming for everyone.
What Research Says: The Gender Gap in Outdoor & Community Sports
- Studies show a clear gender gap: globally, many women are less physically active than men and more likely to be “insufficiently active.”
- In Europe, younger women and girls — especially teens — are among those least likely to take part in regular sports or physically active recreation.
- Surveys of school-age children (7–18) reveal that many girls want to be more active but face barriers like lack of confidence, discomfort, or the feeling of being observed.
- Research into outdoor recreation participation shows that girls’ involvement often drops sharply during adolescence, while boys’ involvement tends to stay stable.
- These findings confirm that girls are under-represented in many outdoor, self-organised, or wheeled sports environments — including pump tracks. The issue isn’t lack of interest; it’s the environment.
How to Make Pump Tracks More Inclusive — Practical Tips for Planners & Investors
>> Design With Flexibility and “Feel-Good” in Mind
- Use a design that supports free movement, not just competitive riding. Gentle slopes, balance-friendly curves, and avoided emphasis on speed.
- Surround the pump track with green spaces, trees, benches, and shaded seating areas to make it a social and comfortable place.
- Provide good visibility, safe surfaces, and easy access so people of all ages and genders feel comfortable visiting.
>> Organise Gender-Friendly Events & Workshops
Even if the pump track already exists — consider hosting “girls only” events or workshops. These create a welcoming, supportive environment where girls and women feel encouraged to try out the track together.
Such events also raise awareness that pump tracks are for everyone, helping change social expectations and usage patterns.
>> Engage the Community — Ask Girls What They Want
In planning or upgrading a pump track, talk directly to girls and women in the community. Ask what would make them feel welcome — design features, safety, social areas, or even organised groups. Real input helps create facilities that meet real needs, not just assumptions.
>> Make the Track Part of a Broader Social Space
A pump track shouldn’t stand alone. It should be part of a larger, welcoming public space — with seating, natural surroundings, pathways, and ideally connections to other community amenities (parks, transport, social spots). This approach invites all users, especially girls and families, to treat it as a social and recreational destination.
Why This Matters for Municipalities & Investors
Pump tracks designed for inclusivity provide stronger social and economic value:
- Higher usage across more demographic groups
- Better support for public health goals
- Improved community cohesion
- Stronger return on investment for recreation infrastructure
- Facilities that reflect modern standards of equality and accessibility
An inclusive pump track doesn’t just serve the community — it strengthens it.
Let’s Build Spaces for Everyone — Not Just Some
Let’s make sure that when you build or invest in a pump track, you do so with all potential users in mind. A track designed for balance, fun, comfort, and community — backed up with inclusive events and social spaces — can be a valuable asset, not only for active youth but for everyone in your city or municipality.
If you’re planning a pump track or upgrading an existing recreational area, we can help you design a facility that truly serves all community members, including girls and young women.
👉 Contact us today to discuss inclusive pump track design or request a tailored proposal for your municipality.
