AN ‘UNDER-UTILISED’ area of a Hyde playing fields may be converted into a much-needed cycle ‘pump track.’
And some of the numbers behind the proposal to place a £600,000-£700,000 facility at Victoria Street in Newton are stark.
Tameside Council’s executive cabinet is likely to give the go ahead to put £350,000 – a large chunk of which comes from section 106 money related to the development at the former ABC Waxworks site on Clarendon Road – as match funding ahead of an application to Sport England.
If successful, the track would add to ‘Hyde’s identity as a destination for cycling and active recreation,’ with current projections forecasting it going to planning in 2028.
And a meeting on Wednesday, September 30 will be told just why the facility is needed.
Documents state: “The creation of a pump track at Victoria Street Playing Fields, Hyde, has the potential to address deficits in existing provision, increase physical activity levels, support youth engagement, encourage active travel, and create a valuable community asset.
“The proposal aligns with local strategic priorities relating to health improvement, physical activity, cycling participation, strategic growth and climate change.
“Tameside currently has the fourth highest rate of physical inactivity in adults in the North West and the 18th highest in England.
“The rate of early preventable cardio-vascular disease mortality is 43.4 people per 100,000, compared to 30.5 people per 100,000 in England.
“Coronary Heart Disease hospital admissions in Tameside have increased in the latest data to 756.7 per 100,000 compared to 390.6 in England – almost double, and the worst in England.
“Hyde Newton Ward has the second highest stroke admissions – directly standardised rate of 341.1 per 100,000.
“Tameside has the highest rate of hospital admissions for asthma in under 19s in England with 420.4 admissions per 100,000 compared to 148.6 per 100,000 nationally.
“Air pollution is a significant factor in exacerbation of asthma symptoms. Therefore providing access to outdoor physical activity in environments with clean air is a priority in Tameside.”
If installed, the pump track – which would host sessions operated by a number of different groups, including the Manchester Bike Kitchen – will be different to the flat circuit in Ashton-under-Lyne.
And cabinet members will be told why it would create an entirely new provision for area – and why exactly Victoria Street in Newton.
The case continues: “Local evidence and insights indicate there is a need for adequate facilities and opportunities for all people, particularly children, to learn the skills required to cycle safely and confidently, especially when accessing off-road routes that require technical skills to navigate.
“Ashton cycle track provides a good offer for road riding practice, with local clubs using the one-kilometre flat track for time trials.
“However, this is a different cycle sport and skillset than mountain biking, for which there is currently no provision in Tameside.
“Due to the way they are built, pump tracks are suitable for all skill levels, including complete beginners and those with significant experience, their appeal is therefore broad and family friendly.
“Regular use of a cycling pump track provides the opportunity to develop the relevant skills required to participate in off-road cycling.
“The proposed facility also has the potential to contribute to Hyde’s identity as a destination for cycling and active recreation.
“The Transpennine Trail passes through Godley and would be less than two kilometres from the pump track.
“Likewise, an entrance to the Tame Valley Loop, a 28-kilometre circular mountain biking route of Tameside, is a mere one kilometre from the proposed site.
“A pump track would enhance the local offer for cycling and provide a hub from which to access these off-road routes with minimal need to ride with traffic.
“The proposal has emerged through several years of place-based cycling development work undertaken by public health and Manchester Bike Kitchen, which is commissioned to provide low cost refurbished bikes and servicing, as well as Dr Bike Community events, led rides, and hands on activities for older people.
“Manchester Bike Kitchen has become a trusted and established voice within Tameside’s cycling community.
“Victoria Street Playing Fields in Hyde has been identified as a preferred location for the development of a cycling pump track following initial discussions.
“The site has previously been marked for repurposing/asset disposal, with a caveat that it is retained for sporting and recreational purpose.
“Whilst other ideas have been explored, none have proved viable due to the constraints of the site, and the quality of the ground, which is a former landfill site.
“The site offers a significant area of council-owned land that is currently under-utilised.
“The site provides sufficient space to accommodate a pump track whilst retaining the existing well-used football pitches and wider recreational function of the playing fields.”
Council chefs will also hear how the pump track may go beyond its primary community use.
For it may end up paying for itself along the line as it may attract competitive events as they will be told: “Once the pump track is built, it is proposed that Manchester Bike Kitchen collaborate on activation activities at the track, including Dr Bike Sessions, basic bike maintenance, ride leader training through externally secured funding partnerships with Transport for Greater Manchester and British Cycling, amongst others, and celebration events and competitions.
“It is also proposed that other organisations in Tameside, and relevant council directorates including youth services, will be directly involved in the project from the outset, and will be invited to programme activities at the site in due course.
“Priority will be given to those working with under-represented, most deprived groups, and least active communities including women and girls, racially minoritised communities, and cared for children.
“The stipulation being that the facility remains open and free to access in perpetuity.
“The only exception for revenue generation would be for competitive or celebratory sporting events attracting people from out of borough, which help to raise the profile of the track, or attract inspirational talent to showcase the facility.
“In this case the event organiser would be required to make payment that would be invested back into the site.”