After years of negotiations, planning and fundraising
the Friends of Memorial Park Committee (FOMP)led by the
chair of the committee Councillor Sue Perkins and other
committee members joined by Tom Moses and the bike
riders pronounced the track officially open
This kind of track is sometimes called a 'pump-track',
can be ridden on by BMXs or mountain bikes and is
excellent for developing bike skills and confidence.
'Pumping' allows you to go round and round without
pedalling by using your upper body and shifting your
weight- with regular practice, eventually you will
maintain enough momentum to begin thinking about leaving
the ground. Using the track is also an amazing, fun
whole-body work out. After 20 minutes you can feel the
benefit, and the more you use it the better it gets.
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Discovery Ranger Tom
Moses coordinated the Go4It! project which aimed to get
young people from Pembroke Dock more active outdoors.
Go4It! worked to promote a Bike Track as a new feature
of the Memorial Park by arranging a trip to Cardiff for
the Friends of the Park committee to see other bike
tracks, consulted with local young people to demonstrate
the need for the track and linked the committee with
potential track designers and constructors. At the
launch event Tom gave his opinion 'I'm so pleased that
the Park is now home to such a brilliant track- I don't
know of a better one in West Wales! - It was a long
process to get it built but the hard work of the Friends
of the Park has clearly paid off'
When asked who the track was aimed at, Tom added 'Whilst
here, I've seen male and female riders from about 6 to
20 years old enjoying themselves - lots from Pembroke
Dock but also some from further afield. The track isn't
just for kids though- I'm 37 and know of older people
than me who have been using it regularly too! Its pretty
safe too as long as you ride within your ability- I do
recommend riding with a helmet and gloves just in case
though. I hope that this will serve as an example to
other communities that it is possible to provide people
with positive activities without spending a fortune, and
that this will continue to encourage healthy
active lifestyles for many years to come. Well done
Pembroke Dock!'
