Long-awaited Fort bike park wheels in motion
Fort William’s long-awaited bike park is one step closer to opening after the team behind the plans broke ground on the site at a sod-cutting ceremony.
The £600,000 project will see a BMX park and two separate pump tracks, one specially designed to handle adapted bicycles, allowing greater access for children and young people living with a physical disability.
The park will also offer users the chance to rent and borrow bikes, ensuring it is accessible to everyone.
The project has been spearheaded over the last six years by the founder of Fort William’s M and S Dental Care Gregor Muir who recognised the need for biking experiences in Fort William after visiting the BMX park in Inverness with his children.
“They enjoyed the experience so much,” he said. “It is incredibly important that young people, especially in rural areas, have access to positive activities outside of school, that encourage healthy lifestyles through exercise and spending time outside.
“Thank you to everyone who has contributed towards the project. I am hopeful this park will encourage the next generation of cycling enthusiasts in Fort William.”
The park has been funded by stakeholders including Clyde Munro and Sport Scotland, Lochaber Wheeled Sports Society, Children’s
Cutting the first turf on the new pump track, from left, Gregor Muir, Stephen Cant, Chris Waters of LEG Bike Kitchen, Paul Milne of Velosolutions, Lewis Macdonald, Norman Clark, Damien Forster and Ross Dunn.
Lottery - Chance to Flourish, Moidart Foundation, EB Scotland, Garfield Weston, the Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation, Peter Harrison Foundation, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Highland Council. The com
mittee behind the park hopes its opening will coincide with the upcoming World Cycling Championships in August.
The event’s Mountain Bike Downhill competition will be held at Fort William’s Nevis Range Mountain Resort.
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