Pewsey pump track opened by a 12-year-old BMX champion

A British BMX champion officially opened Pewsey’s first pump track.

Amelie Eaton, 12, from Trowbridge, is a four-time British champion and said it was a “really good track” after riding a few laps.

Although primarily designed for bicycles, pump tracks are versatile and accessible for skateboards, scooters and wheelchairs.

The track was officially opened on Monday, despite having been in use since December.

Amelie placed ninth at the 2024 UCI BMX World Racing Championships in South Carolina, USA, earlier this month.

High jumps are her favorite part of the sport, along with the camaraderie, she said.

After cutting the ribbon to open the track, Amelie went for a few laps and added: “They’ve done a really good job getting this in good shape for people to ride.”

A pump track is named after the “pumping” action that riders perform to generate momentum while racing on a circuit of banked turns and rollers (or hills).

Mike Smithers, from the parish council, made the decision to switch from a skate park to a pump track to provide versatility and reduce noise for local residents.

A pump track is layered with asphalt, making it quieter than standard skateboard parks.

Councilor Lisa Brindley is also part of the project team and said the young people have done very well at the new facility.

“It’s great to see the older teenagers working with the little kids,” she said.

“It’s a great atmosphere.”

A first for Pewsey, Mrs Brindley added: “It gave young people something to do, something to focus on and build new friendships rather than being bored and getting into trouble.”

Councilor Marilyn Hunt said that after 20 years of training, she “can’t wipe the smile off her face”.

“It’s just wonderful,” she said.

Local Alexandra Knox has been bringing her five-year-old to the track since she got a new bike for his birthday.

She said: “He won’t come down, he’s been spinning for ages.

“There’s lots of kids of different ages and they’re all really looking out for each other, it’s just lovely and the bikes are great because most kids have a bike.”