Proposed Richmond Bike Park, a grassroots community MTB project near Richmond Town in North Yorkshire, has hit a new delay in the planning process. Louise Raine, a key organiser, shared that the planning officer has reviewed the application with their team manager. Due to the nature of the proposal, it will now go to the Planning Committee, with a target date of 21 August for consideration. While the original hope was to begin digging this summer, the team now aims to start construction in the autumn with an eye toward a spring opening in 2026.

The delay is a setback for the dedicated volunteers who’ve been driving momentum through public engagement, but the ambition and commitment remain strong. “We hoped to continue with the momentum we had gathered,” said Louise, “but I can assure you we will continue to work hard in the background to get this project off the ground.”

Richmond Bike Park is a planned free-to-access facility built by the community, for the community. Once complete, it will offer inclusive trails across five phases—from a beginner-friendly skills loop to red and blue lines, plus planting and landscaping to shape a welcoming outdoor space. Inspired by Devil’s Toenail in Wetherby, this park is designed to fill a much-needed gap for riders of all ages and abilities in the wider Richmond area.

For updates, volunteering opportunities, or to get involved:

🌐 richmondbikepark.co.uk
📸 @richmondbike_park
💬 Facebook Group

Read: 10 times Published: 21/06/2025