Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, left, and Inverell Shire Mayor Paul Harmon are pumped for Inverell’s new pump bike track.
Tuesday, 14 September 2021
INVERELL is about to add another exhilarating track to its growing list of cycleways, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today inspecting plans for a new concrete ‘pump track’ to be built using a $432,667 government grant.
The funding has been delivered through Stage Two of the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, co-funded by the NSW and Australian Governments.
Mr Marshall said the pump track would be located a short ride from Inverell’s CBD, at the former BMX track.
“An accessible cycleway around town, a competition standard criterium and now Inverell is bringing its love for cycling home with a pump track at the youth hub,” Mr Marshall said.
“A pump track is a circuit of rollers and banked turns designed to be ridden completely by riders pumping’ generating momentum by up and down body movements, instead of pedalling or pushing.
“Built near the recently completed half-court basketball court on Old Bundarra Road, the 200 metre pump track will offer the locals an exciting outlet for fun and fitness.
“Across the State many communities are looking at pump tracks as a cost-effective way to encourage exercise.
“Unlike mountain biking or road racing which require expensive specialized bikes, an inexpensive treadly is enough to be a pump-superstar.
“The Inverell criterium has been a huge success in driving interest in cycling amongst older riders.
“With the completion of this pump track we will encourage younger riders to helmet up and hit the circuit.”
Inverell Shire Mayor Paul Harmon said the pump track would help enhance the riverside parklands by channelling new people into that part of town.
“Through the construction of the basketball court and shade structures council has created a safe family friendly space,” Cr Harmon said.
“From this month, work will begin on the pump track, with the expectation it will be finished in 2022.
“Preliminary designs for the track have been drawn up and will see the former town BMX track transformed into a vibrant recreational space for youth”.
“This project is just another coup for Inverell and I thank the State and Federal Governments for their commitment to helping our town recover from the drought, bushfires and COVID-19.”