Meeting Date: March 1, 2017 Agenda Item 5B STAFF REPORT Agency: Staff Contact: Agenda Title: Agenda Action: City of Belmont, Parks & Recreation Commission Jonathan Gervais, Parks & Recreation Director, jgervais@belmont.gov Consideration of a Bicycle Pump Track in Belmont Discussion & Direction Recommendation Consider the possibility of a bicycle pump track in Belmont including feasibility, cost, and location. Background During the discussion of open space at the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on December 7, 2016, four citizens spoke about the need for more bike features, including a pump track, in or around Belmont s open space. The Parks & Recreation Commission requested that the Parks and Recreation Department consider the installation of bicycle pump track in Belmont. Staff did preliminary review of materials related to a pump track and discussed possibilities with a few professionals in the field to develop the staff report. Analysis A pump track is a continuous loop of dirt or asphalt berms and rollers (smooth dirt mounds) that you ride without pedaling. The concept of a pump track is to be a combination of berms, rollers, small jumps, crossovers, and other elements laid out in a way that one can pump around it generating momentum and flowing through the lines without the need to pedal. The name pump track comes from the pumping motion used by the rider s upper and lower body as they ride around the track. The idea of a pump track is to use this pumping motion to maintain your speed around the track without pedaling. Pump tracks can be ridden by cyclists of all ages and skill levels. A special kind of bicycle is not needed to ride on a pump track BMX bikes, mountain bikes, kids bikes even scooter bikes can be used on the pump track. It is designed to increase bike handling skills for younger riders in a car free environment. In Santa Cruz, which has five pump tracks, the facilities are used extensively after school and on the weekends by youth, teens, and families. The size of a pump track varies depending upon the number of features. In general, the bigger the pump track the more fun it is for the community. The minimum size appears to be about 100 feet by 50 feet (5,000 square feet) with a 300 x 200 foot (60,000 square feet or 1.3 acres) track a preferred size. Construction involves moving soil into the desired features, extensive compaction to ensure a solid surface, and installing drainage to reduce water damage to the features. Construction can take anywhere from a week to a couple of months. It appears that some newer pump tracks are being built with asphalt. Page 1 of 6
Pump Track Circular Pump Track Design Page 2 of 6
Simple Design for a pump track Design for a Pump Track in Santa Cruz Page 3 of 6
Page 4 of 6 Pump Track Construction and use
The cost of the pump track would depend upon the size, features, and location selected for the project. In addition, it would depend upon the amount of volunteer labor and donations that could be acquired for design and construction. To hire a contractor to design and build a pump track could cost $75,000 to $150,000. This could be reduced through volunteer efforts and donations. For example, Santa Cruz recently built a pump track for an estimated $30,000 to $50,000 relying on local non-profits to design and fundraise for the project. Fencing is not required for a pump track, although it can be helpful in delineating the boundaries of the area. Signs would be installed to inform the public about rules of use. The Department is researching the liability of a pump track and hopes to have more to report at the Commission meeting. Maintenance is required for pump tracks. For example, the City of Santa Cruz and the local bike nonprofit split the cost of a 20 hour a month maintenance person to maintain one of their pump tracks. The person also relies on volunteers from the local community to assist. The features need to be re-compacted, weeded, eroded areas fixed, and water is needed to control the dust during the dry season. Location Staff identified two potential locations that may work for a pump track- Hidden Valley Park at the end of Carlmont Drive and a flat disturbed area on the John Brooks Trail. Parking and ADA accessibility for viewing would need further consideration. Hidden Valley Park- End of Carlmont Drive Page 5 of 6
John Brooks Trail- down from the Hallmark entrance Next Steps Further discussions are required related to the need for a pump track, liability involved, cost, size, and location. Depending upon the discussion, this item could be prioritized by the Parks and Recreation Commission for consideration by City Council and the community. Alternatives 1. Take no Action 2. Refer back to staff Attachments A. None Fiscal Impact No Impact/Not Applicable Funding Source Confirmed: Planned Park Account Source: Purpose: Public Outreach: Council Statutory/Contractual Requirement Posting of Agenda Staff Council Vision/Priority Other Citizen Initiated Discretionary Action Other* * Parks & Recreation Commission Plan Implementation Page 6 of 6