The City of St. John’s will see a new outdoor recreation facility on the grounds of Quidi Vidi Park thanks to community cycling enthusiasts.
City Council unanimously approved the construction of a pump track—a continuous loop of beams and “rollers” (smooth bumps or paved mounds)—that is used by pumping one’s body up and down to gain momentum instead of pedaling.
The Avalon Mountain Bike Association will lead the design and construction of the project, with the help of $100,000 put forward by Canary Cycles and $60,000 from the city.
Councillor Ian Froude says the initiative that will serve not only the cycling community but scooter, skateboard, and wheelchair users. He says this sort of facility can act as an entry-level track for those learning how to mountain bike and says council wants to give residents as many options as possible to get outside and get active.
Froude says residents could be riding the track as early as this fall but depending on the weather and how close it comes to winter before it’s complete, it may not happen until next spring.
Meanwhile, the Avalon Mountain Bike Association has started a GoFundMe to help raise $31,000 to fund the remaining portion of the project.
