SV bicycle pump track moves forward

The plan to build a bicycle pump track in Scotts Valley is getting closer to becoming reality.
The Scotts Valley City Council agreed unanimously to move the project forward at its Aug. 21 meeting. All that is left before the project can break ground is the approval of a use permit by the Scotts Valley Planning Commission.
A pump track is a series of dirt burms and rollers that allow cyclists to propel themselves through a closed-loop track without peddling, using their momentum to complete the course.
The proposal, submitted to the city by Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz, is to build two pump tracks — a 20-by-40 foot track for beginners and younger children and an 80-by-150 foot track for all others. It was approved by the Scotts Valley Parks and Recreation Commission on June 6.
The track is slated to be built by volunteers on a small parcel of land behind the dog park at Skypark. It is temporary because the location is part of the proposed Town Center project.
MBOSC president Mark Davidson said the pump track will cost between $10,000 and $15,000 to construct and that he has received commitments from Easton-Bell and Fox Racing to help purchase materials including fencing and signage, to build the track. He is also working with Alex Fowler, a local pump track designer on the final design.
“It’s going to be a great community service,” Davidson said, “and the local bike industry is supportive.”
The City of Scotts Valley will submit the use permit application along with the MBOSC’s design plans to the planning commission. Additionally, the city will provide several hours of back hoe work to help grade the area and extend a potable water line at a cost of about $300 to help maintain the track. The temporary use permit —if approved by the planning commission — would set a limit on the length of the permit and allow the city to revoke the permit at any time if necessary.