News / Stockwood
Olympic BMX bronze medallist opens cycling track in South Bristol
A new cycling facility was opened by Olympic Freestyle BMX bronze medallist and Access Sport ambassador, Declan Brooks in Stockwood on Thursday.
The state-of-the-art track will offer a range of riding options for all ages and abilities, as well as being accessible for bikes, scooters and skateboards.
The open access facility is also accompanied by a new footpath connecting the track to nearby Whittock Road, a storage unit to provide a safe place to store community bikes and helmets, and a social space to watch the action on the track.
is needed now More than ever
Declan (centre) cuts the ribbon to the new track with councillor Graham Morris (left) – photo: Access Sport
Speaking about the new track, Declan said: “The Stockwood Bike Track is an amazing facility for the local community. It’s great to see a track designed for all ages and abilities and I hope it will encourage more people to get on their bikes and give it a go. Every community needs a fun and safe space like this.”
Originally from Portsmouth, Declan made Olympic history at the Tokyo Olympics when he bagged a bronze medal in the BMX park freestyle final at his debut games.
Declan has discussed in the past how important local skate parks were to him as a young person in his journey to becoming an Olympic bronze medallist.
Declan showing off some moves – Declan won a bronze medal in the BMX park freestyle final at Tokyo Olympics in 2020 – photo: Access Sport
Access Sport also hopes to set up a cycling group in the local community to provide a wide range of opportunities such as riding, coaching and volunteering. There will also be recreational and structured cycling sessions offered at the track, which will include coached sessions, rock up and ride sessions and after school sessions.
The track will also offer Wingz cycling, an inclusive form of cycling for anyone with an impairment and additional needs as well as BMXercise, BMX specifically for women and girls.
Councillor for Stockwood Ward, Graham Morris said he hoped the track will “benefit children, young people and families in all parts of the ward”.
Kids geared up and ready to ride! Photo: Access Sport
The programme was delivered as part of Access Sport’s Making Trax Cycling Inclusion Programme which aims to give every young person access to a bike, the skills and confidence to use it, and somewhere local, safe and exciting to enjoy riding.
Access Sport is a national charity that specialises in making community sport inclusive by breaking down barriers faced by disadvantaged and disabled young people.
The work was carried out by specialist track builders Architrail Velosolutions, with capital funding from The London Marathon Charitable Trust, Enovert Community Trust, Bristol City Council, Churngold and the John James Bristol Foundation.
Main photo: Access Sport
Read more: New project changing perception of young people riding bikes in South Bristol
Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
