New floodlit pump track opens in Bathgate

The new facility is the longest pump track in West Lothian -  and West Lothian's first floodlit track.  

The pump track can be used by bikes, balance bikes, scooters, skateboards, surf-skateboards and skates. They are carefully designed to be ridden without pedalling and by only using your bodyweight and the features to 'pump' yourself around the track. 

Executive councillor for the environment, Tom Conn said:

"I am delighted the new park is now open for use.

"Pumptracks started off being used as a fun way to build up bike skills and particularly skills for off-road cycling, but these new asphalt tracks can also be used to improve skateboarding, surfing and snowboarding skills.

The track is situated in Balbardie Park together with lots of other outdoor facilities, including the Peace Mile and the historic BMX track and the skatepark, plus the indoor facilities at Xcite Bathgate.

It's close to central Bathgate and Beecraigs mountain-bike facilities, so you can take your pump track skills to the slopes. We expect the track to be used by individuals, cycling groups, community groups and local schools in the area. Funding for the project was received via developer contributions, sportscotland and Suez Communities Trust."

West Lothian Council worked in partnership with Green Action Trust (GAT) to develop, fundraise for and build the track.  Other stakeholders (who we worked with to develop the track proposals) include Balbardie Primary School Autism Unit, West Lothian Bike Library, Sustrans iBike initiative, Active Schools, Lowport Centre, West Lothian Clarion, West Lothian Youth Action Project, West Lothian Leisure (Xcite), Bathgate Town Centre Management Group.

It is designed by Architrail Velosolutions UK. Some soft landscaping work has still to be completed but the track is now ready for use.

Pictured: The council's Becky Plunkett joined Councillor Conn joined pupils from Balbardie Primary School to check out the new facility last week