A column from Becky Cox of Swindon Cycle Campaign.
Thanks to the efforts of wonderful local community groups and volunteers, these facilities exist to use for free at anytime.
West Wheels All Wheels Track in Rivermead only opened a couple of months ago. This pump track (like a BMX track), is suitable for all wheels from bikes to scooters to wheelchairs!
It forms an extension to the existing skate park, and is suitable for all ages and abilities.
There are two circuits, a smaller one for less confident users and then a bigger one with more challenging bits.
Find it off Mead Way in West Swindon, easily accessible by bike, off The Western Flyer Cycle path. Check out West Wheels Track on Facebook for more info.
Another local hot spot is Wroughton Pump Track on Maunsell Way Recreation Ground.
However, this one is strictly just for bikes (not scooters etc.).
We took my two-year old here on his balance bike a few months ago and he loved it.
By bike it’s just off the Wichelstowe to Wroughton Cycle Path (which leads to Ridgeway School).
Check out BMX Wroughton on Facebook.
Not too far away there’s the Croft Mountain Bike Trail off Pipers Way cycle path, opposite Nationwide. The waymarked trail is based around a family/beginner off-road trail (Blue), with some more technical (Red) sections for the more experienced cyclist or those wishing to improve their skills.
The trail is about 5km long and there’s always ‘escape runs’ for when you need to wimp out of anything a bit more technical! Croft Trail search for MB Swindon
A bit further afield, there’s Farcycles’ Cycle Track at Folly Sports Park in Faringdon.
It’s a traffic-free mini road network: an ideal environment to learn to cycle and improve bike skills.
The group also run learn to cycle and Bikeability sessions at the park. Cycle Park - Farcycles (weebly.com)
Of course, free guided bike rides continue throughout the year via Let’s Ride Swindon, with social rides that explore the traffic-free network of cycle paths as well as those that venture a bit further afield. www.letsride.co.uk
Wrap up warm and Happy Cycling!
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