“There aren’t a lot of places to take kids to learn how to ride,” says Dave Huff, Executive Director of Riding Forward, a non-profit to use wheeled sports to get kids outside and active. But thanks to the efforts of Riding Forward, Boone County Parks & Recreation, and a handful of volunteers, kids will now have a place just for biking at England-Idlewild Park (5550 Idlewild, Burlington).
Phase I of the project was recently completed over Memorial Day Weekend, and features a beginner pump track – a closed loop of dirt berms and “rollers.” The track is open to bikes of all kinds and riders of all skill levels, who will use a pumping motion to maintain speed without pedaling. It’s a one-of-a-kind park for the region, according to Huff, who is already working on the next pump track, and has plans for a dual slalom course as well as three jump lines, for beginners to advanced riders.
“It’s great for families to do together,” says Huff, adding that he plans to introduce activities in the future, like after-school programs. Get the scoop on the bike park’s progress at their Facebook page facebook.com/ridingforwardnonprofit or at England-Idlewild’s Facebook page: facebook.com/EIbikepark. Visit ridingforward.org/donate/ to learn more about contributing to the park’s development.