New cycle track which will be ‘great for the community’ set to open this spring

By Kiro Evans, Local Democracy Reporter

A new cycle track designed for bicycles, skateboards and scooters is set to be completed in Bromley this spring.

The £457,000 cycle track gained support from locals, with 80 per cent of written consultation was in support of the development at the Hoblingwell Wood Recreation Ground in Orpington.

An asphalt pump track will be built and a training area will be set up in a nearby playground.

Once opened, the track will be available to the wider community and charity partner Access Sport will work with locals to set up a volunteer-led club to run sessions.

The project has proved popular with residents who hope to get their kids active amid the pandemic.

Mum Sarah Toone wrote on the council’s planning portal: “Being the mother of two teenage boys, one heavily involved in sport, and riding BMX myself I know this will be a great for the community.

“Particularly since Covid, the health and wellbeing of people is helped by being active and this track will support that as well as being an exciting place to go.”

A man called Roger Latch said: “I think it is a good idea and hopefully local children will be able to practice their biking skills there instead of, dangerously, on the roads.

Another local Sam Burdett wrote: “This would be brilliant for the kids as there is not a lot for them to do in the area.”

But some people objected to the plans.

Jenny Taylor wrote: “This is something that is definitely not required in this area. It will look an eyesore, create extra traffic and footfall which we certainly don’t need. Please don’t spoil our area, once again this is not needed.”

Funding comes for a variety of sources, including £149,624 from the Places to Ride investment programme which is led by British Cycling, Sport England and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and £75,000 from the London Marathon Charitable Trust.

Another £20,000 will come from Clarion Futures, the charitable foundation of Clarion Housing Group, alongside a minimum of £65,000 from the council and £115,000 of “in kind” funding from Access Sport.

Councillor William Huntington-Thresher, executive councillor for environment said: “We are excited by the potential to deliver something outstanding for St Paul’s Cray and St Mary Cray, with the cycle track and related club able to be used by all, including young people.

“A big thank you to all the groups who have supported this project from the beginning and to the grant funders who have helped make this possible.”

Joe McTague, Delivery Director at Access Sport: “We are delighted to see the works commence and look forward to seeing the local community enjoying the new facilities when they are complete.

“This is a facility for all abilities and we encourage anyone who is interested in supporting community sessions to get in touch to find out more.”

Pictured top: Skateboarder (image: Oscar E.)