TOWN OF WEST SENECA OFFICIALLY OPENS NEW BIKE PUMP TRACK AT HARLEM ROAD PARK
West Seneca, NY – On Wednesday, October 27th, the Town of West Seneca officially opened a Bike Pump Track at the Harlem Road Park. The new track is available to the public year-round and has already proved to be an attraction to West Seneca Residents and to bike enthusiasts regionally. The idea was originally born from members of the community and was completely paid for with a combination of County & Federal Grants.
A “pump track” is a looping trail system that one can ride continuously without pedaling. One’s speed along the pump track is dependent on one’s ability to gain momentum by “pumping” the tight terrain transitions of the track.
“There is nothing like this around! It is a very positive asset for the Town that is completely funded by grants. What makes it even better is that the idea came from members of the community who joined together to advocate for this project. This is a project that is for the community, driven by the community. As a Town, we are grateful to be able to support the project and see it through to completion through the help of our various departments and representatives.” said Town of West Seneca Supervisor Dickson.
Chris Holmes, Owner of Free Wheel Mobile Bike Shop and leader of the “West Seneca Bikes” Group advocated for the Bike Pump Track and worked to fund and install a bike rack at the park. Holmes and the West Seneca Bike Group presented the pump track idea to the Town Board in March of 2020. The Town Board approved the pump track and allotted grant money for construction in October of 2020.
“This is a great achievement! I’m proud to have been part of making this pump track come to life. Projects like this will put the town on the map for bicycling”, said Holmes.
Chris formed the West Seneca Bikes group after conversations with Supervisor Gary Dickson in an effort to increase and improve biking opportunities in Town. The West Seneca Bikes Group has grown through several organized bike rides, including those that would depart from the West Seneca Farmers Market this past summer.
“Great projects like this bicycle pump track happen when the residents share their ideas, enthusiasm and efforts with the town, just like Chris Holmes and the West Seneca bike group had done on this project”, said West Seneca Councilman William Bauer.
“This is another new and exciting opportunity for the residents of West Seneca. It will be a great place of recreation especially for our youth so that they can get outdoors, get active and interact with one another”, said West Seneca Councilman William Hanley.
“The New Bike Pump Track in Harlem Rd Park is a testament to the hard work of West Seneca Bikes, and the willingness of the town board to invest in our parks. The Bike Pump Track will serve as a recreational destination that will be enjoyed by the community for decades to come. I am proud to have supported the construction of this great addition to our town”, said Councilman Jeff Piekarec
Areas like the new Harlem Road Bike Pump Track become valued community assets that provide a managed arena for both beginners and experts alike. They offer the opportunity for bikers of all levels of experience to develop a range of skills including bike handling, balancing, jumping and turning. This track has a beginner area and a more advanced area so that the amenity is not intimidating for a beginner user or too easy for a more advanced rider.
“The Pump Track adds a new outdoor recreational opportunity for cyclists of all ages and skills levels to enjoy. I am hopeful that this set up will allow for community members to make new friends, meet with old friends and learn new skills from each other. I would like to thank the West Seneca Town Board for their commitment to enhancing our Parks System and Recreational opportunities” said Recreation Supervisor Lauren Masset.
By working the Town Highway Department, the Town was able to save approximately $60,000 on the project and complete it within six months. The Town’s Engineering Department were onsite every day during the project to confirm that all construction was done to the Town of West Seneca’s specifications and engineering standards. They also approved and inspected all materials used on the project to confirm they met the quality standards that the Town has in place for construction. The project was awarded to Pinto Construction in June of this year and construction began in August.
“I am proud to have been part of this landmark project. This Pump Track is not only great for West Seneca, but it is a symbol of the progress and growth of Western New York. It exhibits what can be achieved with active community involvement”, said Eric Labrie, Senior Engineering Assistant.
The speedy completion of the new Bike Pump Track is the result of many departments, representatives and community members working together. Many children have been very eager to ride the pump track which will be available to everyone year-round.
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