Pumptrack gets kids moving
When you’re driving on the Pumptrack the aim is to maintain speed around the track without pedalling, so you must handle the basic skills of cycling. Of course Pumptrack also teaches to drive and gets more confidence for riders. The bumps on the track can be used to gain or reduce speed in order to hit the corners at just the right velocity.
"Pupils really liked to ride on Pumptrack. Half of the people in the class wanted to try the track, and around half felt that the track was challenging at least in the beginning of the week," says the project leader and teacher Kaisa Peltonen, vice president of the Jyväskylä Cycling Team.
Lappset’s Pumptracks are built using modules made from hard-wearing wood. The Jyväskylä track is an oval shaped and S-size. Pumptrack is available in three different sizes: S, M and L. It will be installed at Kuokkala School.
"We have a recommendation that the track is only used from third grade . Of course, younger riders can run too if their skills are good enough. " says Kaisa Peltonen.