Work took place as expected in September to improve the 'BMX' pump track adjacent to the skatepark at Daniel Park, Whitchurch, which comes under the responsibility of Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council.The public reaction on local social media erupted with a surge of disappointment when a resident posted photographs of the work that was due to cost £20,000. When such public funds are used it is expected they will be used wisely and work carried out to an acceptable standard.
Comments on social media from local residents had included:"Oh my god, that’s worse. Clearly whoever decided this was better didn’t consult with anyone who knows anything about bikes or bmx tracks!! Can we ask them to change it back as this is ridiculous."
"That tarmac will be crumbled and it will be so gravely by the summer kids be falling off all the time"
"Is this a joke? Who signed off on that?"
and
"As a community what can we do about this?
Basingstoke Council approached
Basingstoke Council had also been asked if they had consulted with users, cycling clubs or national bodies, but it seems not. This is a major oversight and very disappointing. Sending letters to a few nearby residents is not consultation.
This omission has not been explained.
Concerns have also been raised in a meet at the site with BDBC with these and other issues raised.
Smoother and safer? Parts are better, others too narrow
The main 'improvements' at Daniel Park have consisted of an asphalt surface being been laid on top of the existing dirt track to provide a smoother and safer facility for the users.
Although the surface is now less rough, in places it is quite narrow though it widens out on the turns.
In some places it is less than 2ft wide, far below what is considered the minimum for such pump tracks. This can cause problems for inexperienced users as concentration on the narrow line to follow will overshadow the learning of skills needed in riding the course.
Some construction techniques also seem questionable with a drop off the asphalt to lower surrounding ground creating a step to deal with, and there is also risk of pedal strike on some of the 'humps'.
However, the surface is better and maybe some fairly easy 'tweaks' could answer these concerns. It is hoped so. Certainly some young people have been seen happily using the track since the work was undertaken with lots of laughs and smiles. 🙂
Comparisons have also been made with a recent pump track in Newbury which is very much wider and has gained much critical acclaim. However the costs there were far higher.
But the question remains – was the wider unsurfaced track better than this narrow smoother path.
Next stage?
It had been suggested that a launch event might have been held at Whitchurch similar to a SkateFest held some years back which was extremely popular.
However the negative publicity has currently deferred that idea and an official response, and action, is awaited from Basingstoke and Deane on the recent concerns. It is also good to have a local councillor now involved in this.
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| Despite some concerns young riders have been enjoying the course. |
Let us hope the concerns raised are resolved soon so our youngsters (and some not so young!) can safely enjoy improved facilities that Whitchurch so badly needs.
It should not take too much effort and we should welcome the fact that the need for improvements has at least been recognised.
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