The gates to the new 1.5km Closed Road Cycling Circuit at Odd Down Playing Fields will open to the public on Saturday 27th April 2013, at 11am.
The specially-designed circuit was constructed by the Council with the help of a £600,000 grant from British Cycling.
It is currently one of only 17 specific closed road cycling circuits in England and the first purpose built facility in the South British Cycling region.
Bath & North East Somerset Council has been working with the three main cycling clubs in the district – Bath Cycling Club, Velo Club Walcot and Somer Cycling Club – to set up a new Youth Cycling Alliance for the circuit.
The new youth group has been named Sulis Scorpions, following a competition run through local primary schools by the Council’s Cycling Development Officer, Jim Imeson.
The opening of the Circuit will be led by the Rt Hon Don Foster, MP, along with representatives from the three clubs and pupils from Farmborough, St Philip’s and St Martin’s Garden Primary Schools.
They will also be joined by 9-year-old Josh Lake and his sister Ellie (aged 12) from Threeways School who were nominated by the Wheels for All Project, an inclusive cycling scheme, managed by the Council.
Mr Foster and the cyclists will do one tour of the new Odd Down Cycling Circuit, before members of the public are invited to join them and take their turn in cycling on this new fantastic facility in an open session running up to 1pm.
Councillor David Dixon (Lib-Dem, Oldfield), Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “The new site will be for everybody, from children and families to the more competitive cyclist, and we hope it will become a centre of excellence for disability cycling. Anyone is welcome – whether from Bath & North East Somerset Council’s communities or the wider South West region. We’re extremely grateful to British Cycling for their generous support and we’re pleased to be working with local people so they can get actively involved in the delivery of improvements in their community.”
The Cycle Circuit is the first phase in the planned redevelopment of the whole Odd Down site, which will include a new 3G Astro Pitch, improved pitches and new changing facilities.
Mary Stewart (aged 13), a member of Bath Cycling Club and the new Sulis Scorpions Youth Cycling Alliance, said: “I was there when the work started just after Christmas. I can’t believe the track is finished already. I’m really looking forward to being one of the first people to get on the track. It looks a really exciting place to ride.”
Joining Mary on the circuit will be Talitha Burnett, of Velo Club Walcot, who said: “I’m excited to share this with other people, especially women who may not have the confidence or impetus to go out on the road, or who want to take their cycling to the next level. I’m looking forward to being able to point to a solution.”
Matt Creed, Somer Cycling Club’s Captain, added: “It’s fantastic to have such a great circuit and resource so close to home. Cyclists from the Radstock area previously had to travel long distances to race on safe closed circuits so the new circuit is sure to be a big hit. Add to that the opportunity it will provide for children to learn to cycle in a safe environment and I think we’re in a very fortunate position.”
Full information on the Circuit, including how to hire the facility can be found at www.bathnes.gov.uk/cyclecircuit.
The Official Opening of the Circuit will be held on Saturday 13 July 2013. More details will be announced closer to the time.
