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The exciting new cycle track at Goldsworth Park was officially opened on Wednesday (25 May 2022) by the Mayor of Woking, Cllr Saj Hussain.
The new hybrid facility, which was completed in April 2022, includes a fully asphalted pump track, a circuit of small mounds to help cyclists generate momentum, an all-weather mountain bike circuit and a grass circuit.
Residents had the chance to comment on the design prior to construction.
At the official opening, Leader of the Council, Cllr Ann-Marie Barker, Woking Cycling Club, Charlotteville Cycling Club, Shifa Network and representatives from Woking Borough Council, all received a tour of the track from British Cycling who part-funded the track.
Since the upgrade works concluded, the facility has been enjoyed by young people and cycling enthusiasts from across the borough and beyond, getting active and having fun with friends.
Cllr Ellen Nicholson, Portfolio Holder for Living Well, said: “Cycling is a popular sport that is fun for all the family, so I am delighted that the new track at Goldsworth Park has been such a success. It is fantastic to see people of all ages are using it to develop their skills, try something new, get active and make friends!
“The upgrade is a vast improvement of the previous track, whilst also retaining open access and free use. This new facility is truly an asset to the area and will be enjoyed by many generations to come. Why not try something new this summer, gear up and give it a go for yourself?
"I would like to give a special thank you to the previous Portfolio Holder, Cllr Colin Kemp, for his hard work and efforts on this project. Additionally, a big thank you to resident and local cycling enthusiast, Si Trickett from Woking Cycling Club, who was the first person to suggest the council upgrade the cycle track, sourced funding options and played a vital role within the community in promoting the consultation and design of the track.”
Luke Anderson, Regional Manager (South East) for British Cycling said: “We are thrilled to see the opening of this new pump track in Goldsworth Park Woking as part of our Places to Ride legacy funding from the 2019 Road World Championships.
“The new facility will inspire new audiences to ride, connect communities and provide a lasting legacy for cycling. Our two local Go-Ride Cycling Clubs, Woking and Charlotteville Rascals, are already making good use of the new skills area for coaching young people, and we’ve seen great participation already from the local community.
“We hope that riders enjoy this for many years to come, and are looking forward to seeing the love for cycling grow even further in Woking.”
All users of the track are encouraged to ride safely and with respect to those around them.
On Saturday mornings, Woking and Charlotteville Cycling Clubs also have exclusive access to the track, helping club members refine their riding skills.
The project was led by Woking Borough Council working in partnership with British Cycling and Sport England.
Following local demand for a better facility, the cycle track was designed and built by contractors Clarke & Kent who specifically modelled the track to introduce and develop opportunities for cyclists to enjoy at all levels and cycling ability.
This upgrade was possible thanks to £60,000 funding from British Cycling, which was matched funded to the tune of £60,000 by Woking Borough Council.
You can now share your tricks at the track on Instagram! Tag @GWPCycleTrack or follow along for cycling inspiration.