About us
Who we are
We are a community based project who are looking to fund and build a BMX track for the Stroud community. Our project team are all avid cyclists (and skateboarder) and we feel Stroud is lacking in such a facility, which we know would be popular with the young cyclists, skateboarders, inline skaters and scooters.
Where will it be located?
We currently don't have a location for the track, ideally we want it located near to the centre of Stroud.
Initially we want to prove there is a need for a free facility like this by raising as many responses to our survey as possible.
Funding
We will be applying for the funding from various sources, including; grants, national schemes, public and private funding. We are aiming for the track to be of the highest quality available, to be built with an asphalt surface for longevity and all weather usability. Other Gloucestershire Districts have very successfully funded and built new BMX tracks, recognising the benefits to the children and their communities. New tracks include Leckhampton, Wotton-under-Edge and Dursley
Benefit to community & social impact.
The area of Wishaw (Glasgow) had Velosolutions install a world class track last winter, and has seen a 50% reduction in crime in the area since it was installed! (watch the first video on the pictures and videos page)
“The area of Barry Sidings (Wales) Pumptrack has reduced antisocial behaviour in the community by 70%”
PC Nigel Bird, South Wales Police.
This BMX track has been voted one of the best crime prevention initatives in Europe.
The scheme is now being recommended by the European Union.
Have a look of the ITV News page about this.
Research undertaken by Thames Valley Police on a national basis indicates that where provision is made for young people (including BMX facilities) there is a drop in vandalism and petty crime in the area. Fears therefore by local residents of possible problems with the provision of BMX facilities are therefore normally groundless and indeed these facilities normally reduce crime in the area.
ROSPA 2005 (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents)
Here's some comments from the question in the the survey 'Why would you like this facility?'
'Fun for all the family! It also encourages more children and families to be outside, exercise and to build a passion and confidence when cycling. This is something that then transfers to cycling to school and work'
'All three of my children would use it.'
'these types of facilitites grow communities and develop youngsters as they watch and learn from older people not just in the chosen sport but as young women and men in society'
'I would like it to meet new people and enjoy watching others ride.'
'I feel that somewhere like this would be a perfect place for like minded people of all ages to enjoy time outdoors and keep fit. And would promote a healthy lifestyle away from the ever growing use of cars.'
'Give focus for kids, somewhere to hang out.'
'Pump/ bmx tracks are great fun for all levels of cyclist. I can find it a challenge and a great workout as an experienced mountain biker and my kids (8 and 10) can enjoy it at the same time.'
'It would progress a lot of young riders skills, and create social circles in the community.'
'There are limited facilities like this throughout Gloucestershire and facilities like these are a great benefit for health and well being for all ages.'
'Provide a place to ride without having to pay every time I ride and therefore ride more'
We are a community based project who are looking to fund and build a BMX track for the Stroud community. Our project team are all avid cyclists (and skateboarder) and we feel Stroud is lacking in such a facility, which we know would be popular with the young cyclists, skateboarders, inline skaters and scooters.
Where will it be located?
We currently don't have a location for the track, ideally we want it located near to the centre of Stroud.
Initially we want to prove there is a need for a free facility like this by raising as many responses to our survey as possible.
Funding
We will be applying for the funding from various sources, including; grants, national schemes, public and private funding. We are aiming for the track to be of the highest quality available, to be built with an asphalt surface for longevity and all weather usability. Other Gloucestershire Districts have very successfully funded and built new BMX tracks, recognising the benefits to the children and their communities. New tracks include Leckhampton, Wotton-under-Edge and Dursley
Benefit to community & social impact.
The area of Wishaw (Glasgow) had Velosolutions install a world class track last winter, and has seen a 50% reduction in crime in the area since it was installed! (watch the first video on the pictures and videos page)
“The area of Barry Sidings (Wales) Pumptrack has reduced antisocial behaviour in the community by 70%”
PC Nigel Bird, South Wales Police.
This BMX track has been voted one of the best crime prevention initatives in Europe.
The scheme is now being recommended by the European Union.
Have a look of the ITV News page about this.
Research undertaken by Thames Valley Police on a national basis indicates that where provision is made for young people (including BMX facilities) there is a drop in vandalism and petty crime in the area. Fears therefore by local residents of possible problems with the provision of BMX facilities are therefore normally groundless and indeed these facilities normally reduce crime in the area.
ROSPA 2005 (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents)
Here's some comments from the question in the the survey 'Why would you like this facility?'
'Fun for all the family! It also encourages more children and families to be outside, exercise and to build a passion and confidence when cycling. This is something that then transfers to cycling to school and work'
'All three of my children would use it.'
'these types of facilitites grow communities and develop youngsters as they watch and learn from older people not just in the chosen sport but as young women and men in society'
'I would like it to meet new people and enjoy watching others ride.'
'I feel that somewhere like this would be a perfect place for like minded people of all ages to enjoy time outdoors and keep fit. And would promote a healthy lifestyle away from the ever growing use of cars.'
'Give focus for kids, somewhere to hang out.'
'Pump/ bmx tracks are great fun for all levels of cyclist. I can find it a challenge and a great workout as an experienced mountain biker and my kids (8 and 10) can enjoy it at the same time.'
'It would progress a lot of young riders skills, and create social circles in the community.'
'There are limited facilities like this throughout Gloucestershire and facilities like these are a great benefit for health and well being for all ages.'
'Provide a place to ride without having to pay every time I ride and therefore ride more'