Bangor (County Down, Northern Ireland) could be getting a new “one site” cycle venue aimed at everyone from first-time riders to BMX racers. Plans for Bangor Cycle Park have been submitted for the Bangor Sportsplex site off Old Belfast Road, with concept drawings showing separate areas for pump track riding, BMX racing, progressive jump lines, an accessible learn-to-ride layout, and XC-style trails. A community cafe and cycle workshop hub is also part of the proposal.

​Facilities

• BMX racing track (described as national standard)

• Pump tracks: a main pump track plus a separate beginner pump track​

• Jump line (labelled as a Jump Line Track area)

• Accessible Learn-to-Ride / Bikeability-style road layout (marked road layout for skills development)

• Inclusive / all-ability cycling area, shown interfacing with the existing running track (the oval track remains, with cycling indicated alongside running use)

• Perimeter off-road loop labelled as XC trails (more like a site loop / perimeter trail than a full trail-centre style XC network)

• Trailhead link point between zones

• Community cafe and cycle workshop hub, using the existing stand building

Peaceplus

The council describes Bangor Cycle Park as a PEACEPLUS project, with an objective to “build Peace and Prosperity” and leave a lasting legacy across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. PEACEPLUS (2021 to 2027) is a cross-border funding programme with an allocation of €1.145bn, supported by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland administration.

In Ards and North Down, the council has published three PEACEPLUS capital projects (indicative project costs). Ones to watch are:

• Donaghadee Pump track: £219,351

• Bangor Cycle Park: £1,149,347

• Castle Park, Portaferry: £186,507

Community reaction so far

Early discussion online includes strong support for an inclusive, multi-zone cycling venue with clear progression from beginners to advanced riding, plus interest in the cafe and workshop as a base for classes and community activity.

A key point of debate is that the concept layout shows learn-to-ride and cycling skills areas inside the running track oval. That central area is normally used for athletics field events and training, so the question is how both uses would operate alongside each other.

​What we know

• Bangor Cycle Park is proposed for the Bangor Sportsplex site off Old Belfast Road.
• The council lists five core cycling facilities (pump track, BMX racing track, inclusive cycling area, accessible learn-to-ride area, XC trails), plus a community cafe/workshop.
• The concept layout also shows a learn-to-ride road layout, jump lines, two pump track areas, and “all-ability cycling” indicated on the running track.
• The council has published an indicative project cost of £1,149,347 for Bangor Cycle Park within a set of three local PEACEPLUS capital projects.

What we don’t know

• Planning decision dates, public opening date.
• Whether the published project cost figure is the full build budget for the final design, or whether additional capital will be required (assume very likely) as the scheme is detailed and procured.
• The final operating model, fee to use or pricing, opening hours, supervision, and booking arrangements.
• Which specialist designers and contractors will deliver the BMX track, pump tracks, jump lines, and trail build, if not yet confirmed publicly.
• How shared use will work in practice where cycling facilities interface with existing athletics activity.

Featured image: “Bangor Marina, Co. Down” by nick macneill, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. View source

Links

• Ards and North Down Borough Council: Bangor Cycle Park

Is this the kind of “one site” cycle park model you would like to see replicated elsewhere in the UK? If you have thoughts or updates on the project please share in the comments or get in touch directly.