Trail Blazers
WorchestershireWorcestershire’s First Mountain Bike/BMX Park Becomes UK’s First British Cycling Limitless Mountain Bike Club
Worcestershire’s first Mountain Bike/BMX park is now set to become the UK’s first British Cycling Limitless Mountain Bike Club, thanks to Wooden Spoon. The adapted trail at Burlish Bike Park brings mountain biking thrills and challenges to young people of all abilities, including children in wheelchairs.
Wooden Spoon Worcestershire granted £4,300 for an accessible bike trail at Open Trail’s Burlish Bike Park in Stourport.
Hannah Escott from Open Trail’s Burlish Bike Park told us:
“We opened the bike park in July 2023. We didn’t realise what a big deal it was going to be. We aimed for a thousand riders in the first year, and we’ve had over 4,000 in ten months. So, it’s by far exceeded expectations.”
Set in a woodland area, the newly opened trail makes the site fully accessible for wheelchair users, allowing families with young children or children with physical difficulties to enjoy the outdoors together.
Hannah continues:
“Children with dyspraxia or autism have balance difficulties, and they struggle with the regular mountain bike track. But because the track is so much wider, thanks to the help of Wooden Spoon, they’re using it and really enjoying it. The kids have come out smiling as they’ve made so much progress on the track, despite their limitations. That’s been really good to see.
“It’s a really nice size, you can do lap after lap, stop for an ice cream, pop back to the car or use the clubhouse.”
The new 700-metre family trail also includes some challenging features, such as small jumps, balance beams, and banked corners, allowing children to try new things and progress their skills.
