Published on:
10
February 2025
The new pump track and jump loop in King George V Park, Clackmannan, was officially opened on Saturday.
As part of the legacy funding from the UCI World Cycling Championship, funding for the £139,000 facility was provided by sportscotland through their Cycling Facilities Fund and the Scottish Government’s Place Based Investment Fund.
These have enabled the build of a high quality bike facility in the heart of Clackmannan opposite the Primary School and adjacent to the key active travel route linking Clackmannanshire with Fife and Falkirk.
The facility is a unique combination of a pump track and a jump loop with three jumps of increasing height and challenge. This presents a superb facility providing challenges for all ages and abilities.
The creation of the facility and the final design were shaped by the people of Clackmannan via a number of engagement events.
Cllr Scott Harrison, spokesperson for place, said: “By actively involving local residents in the decision-making process, the Council has created a vibrant recreational space that meets the diverse needs of Clackmannan's young people.
“I was delighted to formally open the new pump track which is already proving to be a fantastic addition, not just to the Clackmannan community, but to Clackmannanshire as a whole.
The contractors were ‘On Track’ who supplied a team of expert riders to perform at the opening ceremony.
And local BMX champion, Holly Hume from Menstrie, has also given the track her seal of approval. Holly, who was UK Northern Region BMX champion for her age group in 2024 and local expert jumper, David Williams, joined the On Track experts in showcasing the track.
Forbes Dunlop, sportscotland Chief Executive, said: “The investment provided by the Scottish Government and the National Lottery to deliver the Cycling Facilities Fund has allowed us to harness the interest in cycling generated by the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships and deliver a lasting benefit for the nation and the sport.
“By working with Scottish Cycling to shape the fund, we have been able to increase the opportunities for people to get involved in cycling right across the country.
"It’s hugely encouraging to see the number of organisations like our partners in Clackmannanshire who have taken the opportunity to improve the lives of their local communities by investing in cycling facilities.”
The £8million Cycling Facilities Fund aims to build on the growing interest in cycling by developing a network of facilities across the country and deliver a tangible benefit from the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships in Glasgow and Scotland.
It has been made possible through a £4million commitment from Scottish Government and £4million from sportscotland through National Lottery funds.