New pump track pedals to completion
The City of Cape Town’s Recreation and Parks Department officially opened the new Langa pump track this week.
Construction on the pump track, on the border of Langa, Bridgetown and Bonteheuwel, started at the end of March last year.
A pump track is a looped sequence of rollers and berms for bike riders and is an organised route of asphalt berms and turns (built to a scale capable of hosting international-level pump track events).
“The track is a hub of activity for a variety of wheeled vehicles, including bicycles, skateboards, scooters, and more,” said the City’s mayoral committee member for community services and health, Patricia van der Ross.
“The R1.7 million track has been designed in such a way that international pump track events can be held there.”
The ground is layered with a French drainage system, recycled milling layer works, and finished with a layer of specialised asphalt surfacing.
A ward allocation of R500 000 is being used this year (2022/23) for the installation of an entrance pathway, extending hard surfacing around the track, and an avenue of large trees.
The City said large savings resulted from the use of recycled milling material and the reduced cost of trees supplied by the Newlands Nursery.
“The track is an opportunity for the Recreation and Parks Department to promote cycling in a safe space within the community and create fun and exciting experiences, especially for the youth. Road cycling already exists in Langa and the pump track will also focus on BMX biking,” said Ms Van der Ross.
Activities at the launch of the facility included an exhibition ride on the track, a walk through exhibition showcasing various organisations, and registration of interested participants to promote a bicycling programme.
Other areas that have a pump track include the Princess Vlei Eco Centre.
“Investing in sport and recreation facilities is important as it exposes young people to healthy activities and different types of sport,” said Ms Van der Ross.
“It’s also an investment in the community as it provides a space of leisure. In addition, bicycling creates entrepreneurial opportunities for organisations and small businesses associated with the sport.”
Anyone using the facility is required to have the necessary safety gear and while fixed bicycle parking for bicycles is not yet available, the City said assessment would be done once the track was operational to determine the need.
The Recreation and Parks Department will purchase a limited number of bicycles for use on the track, and partner with the Langa Bicycle Hub organisation based at the facility, to assist with Learn-To-Cycle programmes.
