FAQs
What is a pump track?
A pump track is a purpose-built circuit track for cycling and can be used by other wheeled sports including mountain bikes, BMX bikes, WCMX Wheelchairs, skateboards and scooters. The track’s form means that users can generate and control their speed solely by shifting their weight and pushing into the track’s features - 'pumping'. Pump tracks can provide a physical workout and develop skills across wheeled sports. A track can be used by anyone, from young children on balance bikes, to professionals refining their skills.
What will the pump track look like?
The pump track will be an asphalt surface with grassed slopes and will flow to allow laps of the site with jumps and obstacles such as berms and rollers. This will provide an exciting track to fit the allocated space and meet the needs of younger users and beginners as well as providing a challenging facility for more experienced users. It will also allow for different types of wheels (e.g. BMX, skateboards, scooters and rollerblades).
Are pump tracks just for bikes?
No they can be used by all wheeled sports including mountain bikes, BMX bikes, WCMX wheelchairs, skateboards and scooters.
Who can use the pump track?
A track can be used by anyone from young children starting out on balance bikes, to experienced riders refining their skills.
Are pump tracks safe?
Measures to reduce risk will include riders being directed to ride in one direction, signage with guidance about usage, appropriate clothing and bike maintenance. The track will receive regular maintenance inspections.
Will the track be free to use?
The facility will be free to use. It will allow children, teenagers and young people with different levels of ability to participate alongside one another and help to build their skills and confidence.
Where will the pump track be within the Willington Street site?
The pump track will be located on part of the former Willington Street park & ride site. It is proposed that the remainder of the car park surface will be removed and will be managed to enhance biodiversity.
Why has this location been chosen?
The Council’s Parks & Open Spaces Team shortlisted six sites as possible locations for a pump track. Following a full review of each location, considering accessibility, proximity to homes, impact on the existing site and other future proposals for the sites, a shortlist of four sites was determined. The project was considered by Cabinet in October 2025 and it was agreed to proceed with the delivery of a Pump Track on the former Willington Street park and ride location as it was the most suitable. It was agreed that it should be used a pilot, before a second Pump Track is delivered. The Cabinet were supportive of the proposal as it would increase the leisure offering within the borough.
Will the pump track be noisy?
The pump track will be on the former park and ride site adjacent to Willington Street which is surrounded by mature trees providing a visual barrier and a noise buffer for the nearest residential houses. It is not felt that the sound of wheels on the asphalt surface of the track will be significant as asphalt surfaces have a low noise pollution score. Cycle pump tracks generally do not attract motorcycles and quad bikes as these are more drawn to open areas where they can ride quickly and without obstacles. The jumps and curves on a pump track require low speed and control. The pump track will not feature any floodlights so use of the track will be limited to daylight hours. Noise concerns can be reported to Maidstone Borough Council; contact details will be provide on signage at the site.
Will the pump track be lit?
The Council is not proposing to install lighting for night-time use as it would be inappropriate for this location adjacent to Mote Park.
Why is the pump track needed?
The proposal to install a pump track within Maidstone was identified through the development of the Corporate Strategy. The priorities of which are to deliver actions that support Resilient Communities and achieving a High Quality Place, Adapted to Climate Change within a balance budget. The primary motivation for this project is to provide young people with the opportunity to develop an active, healthy and social lifestyle. This has been balanced with the potential environmental impact on any of the selected sites and ensure that it can also deliver enhanced biodiversity and is sensitive to the local community.
How will the pump track be funded?
A capital budget has been allocated by the Council to the delivery the track.
How will the pump track be maintained?
The preferred materials for the pump track is an asphalt surface, which would be a very low maintenance surface for the long term. The Council’s Parks staff will regularly inspect and maintain the area around the pump track.
What are the benefits of pump tracks?
In addition to being a free to use sports facility, and the opportunity to improve cycling/wheeled skills in a safe environment, pump tracks provide the opportunity for physical and social activity for all ages, leading to better mental and physical health and community cohesion. Having such an accessible facility would significantly increase sports participation, promoting healthy and active lifestyles.