Type=image;ImageID=4808;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Councillor Elias Mattu inspecting the new BMX track;TitleClass=strong;
The BMX pump track at Hilton Hall Playing Fields in Lanesfield is attracting scores of riders - both young and old, novices and more experienced.
It features a variety of jumps and banked turns and is suitable for both BMX and mountain bikes.
The £80,000 track was created using Section 106 monies provided by local developers, and is similar in design to the BMX track at Greenway Playing Fields in Bradley which has proved equally popular with local riders since it opened in 2012.
Councillor Elias Mattu, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Leisure and Communities, said: "The new BMX track at Lanesfield is proving tremendously popular with riders, and it's great to see that community facilities like this are being so well used.
"I'd like to thank everyone who has helped develop the new track, particularly local residents including Tom Stokes and members of Hilton Hall Community Association, who have been very supportive of the project."
Keith Jones, of Hilton Hall Community Association, said: "We're delighted with the new track and that it is proving so popular with local people. We've had some really tremendous feedback from people who have had a go, with experienced BMX riders saying it's one of the best tracks for miles around."
Pump tracks are training tracks which offer a good introduction to BMX riding - and the track at Lanesfield is the fourth such track in Wolverhampton, with others at Bradley, Ashmore Park and Aldersley High School.
The Lanesfield track is free to use and open at any reasonable time. Guidelines are displayed at the track detailing the basic cycling skills riders should learn before using the facility for the first time, and what safety equipment is needed.
Councillor Mattu added: "We're keen for people to take part in as many outdoor activities as possible, and across Wolverhampton we now have a network of outdoor gyms and fitness trails, traditional and natural play areas, multi use games areas and bike tracks such as this one."
The track was completed a few weeks ago and is now in regular use. Further minor improvement works, including the completion of a new path and fencing, are due to take place over the next few weeks, though the track will remain open throughout.
- released: Wednesday 2 July, 2014