Filton Town Council has given its initial backing to proposals to transform the deteriorated cycle track at Elm Park into a multi-use facility.
During the council’s recent meeting, Bob Faulkner, a volunteer with British Cycling, outlined the vision for the cycle track’s revival, presenting it as a project that goes beyond traditional cycling to encourage community engagement across various activities.
Three months ago, Mr Faulkner began by presenting options for the facility.
“We felt fundamentally it’s a good facility; it was well built,” he said. “This is about youngsters getting active and getting them on a bicycle, roller skates, three-wheelers, or even wheelchair racing. British Cycling is about bringing the joy of cycling to everyone – not just about racing.”
Mr Faulkner highlighted that the existing track stood out to British Cycling for its potential, noting its robust construction and location in an area of significant population density.
“When people looked around and asked, ‘Where are the tracks in the UK that we could help resurrect?’ this one stood out as number one,” he explained. British Cycling then commissioned Velosolutions UK to conduct a feasibility study and estimate the costs of the project.
The proposal is to create a “MUST” — a multi-use short track — designed for a wide range of activities, including roller skating, model car racing, junior running events, and more.
Mr Faulkner emphasised the need for durability in the redesign: “We want this to be used several times a day and in a ready condition afterwards.”
One of the key elements of the transformation will be resurfacing the track with a fine asphalt. “It’s a very smooth surface, like what they use on pump tracks, with some rubber compounding in it,” Mr Faulkner said. He explained that the track would feature four lanes, painted with non-slip coating for safe use by both cyclists and runners.
Mr Faulkner addressed practical considerations such as costs and timeframes, stating, “In Galashiels, they’re building a new track from scratch for £260,000. But to take what you’ve got and bring it to a higher standard here, it’s £103,000.” He added that the resurfacing work could be completed in just four weeks.
Beyond the track itself, Mr Faulkner emphasised the need for storage facilities for bicycles and additional equipment, highlighting the importance of minimal maintenance: “This thing should look after itself once done. They expect a similar lifespan to a road, around 15 years.”
He also discussed future additions such as lighting for autumn and winter use, as well as possible coverings for standing areas. However, these were described as non-essential, with him focusing on the core aspects of the track revival.
Councillor Alex Doyle expressed his support for the project, raising a motion to instruct council officers to engage with local cycling groups and stakeholders.
He said: “We need to feel that user case to demonstrate there is a prominent need for it so that if the council decides to part or fund this, we know there is a user case for it.”
The meeting concluded with a commitment to consult with potential user groups and stakeholders, such as primary schools, in the coming weeks.