The state of cycling in Quebec in 2015 is clear: more than 620,000 adult Quebecers mountain bike at least once a year. That's almost as many as do cross-country skiing (622,000), ice hockey (624,000) or downhill skiing (734,000). Some of these adults have been cycling for years, but others have been encouraged to take up the activity by the advent of more technically accessible trails, training and supervised activities, all of which make initiation and skill development less intimidating.
Benefits of a bike park
To further motivate mountain biking in the younger age groups (from 3 to 5 years old, and during adolescence) and encourage the next wave of cyclists to take an interest in mountain biking, some centers and municipalities have begun to build velopark-type infrastructures.
Of course, some of these adults introduce their children to mountain biking, whether through clubs, activities, festivals or specialized camps, and that's just fine. After a dip in 2010, cycling among 6-17 year-olds (of all types) is back to its 2005 level.
However, in order to further motivate mountain biking among younger cyclists (from 3 to 5 years of age, and during adolescence) and encourage the next wave of cyclists to take an interest in mountain biking, some centers and municipalities have begun to build veloparc (similar to skateboard parks, i.e. they offer adapted challenges designed to develop cycling skills).
Recent examples
Bromont National Cycling Center (CNCB)
Visit Bromont National Cycling Center, for example, has recently expanded the area reserved for these types of modules.
Bras-du-Nord Valley
Bras-du-Nord Valley has also installed a few elements in the parking lot, which are used both by the municipality's youth and by cyclists preparing to enter the trails. Further developments are planned.
Pumptracks and recreational trails
In some municipalities, the emphasis has shifted to pumptracks and recreational trails (which offer jumps and other BMX-like challenges). In Mont-Tremblant, the Ville de Mont-Tremblant, Plein Air Mont-Tremblant and Vélo Mont-Tremblant recently inaugurated two pumptracks, one of which is modular and demountable, allowing the configuration to be changed and stored (or used indoors) in winter.
Mont-Tremblant
The Plein Air Mont Tremblant project was carried out thanks to funding from the Ville de Mont Tremblant via a call for tenders. BMXPert was responsible for site planning and supervision, and the work was carried out by the local team from’Enviroforet.
The modular track was purchased via Boreal Trails and set up on a site specially designed for the occasion. Several configurations are possible and will be used over the seasons.
When the pumptracks were inaugurated on Sunday, September 25, you had to be patient to use them. In fact, nearly 300 people (including 117 small children!) showed up, a great success for Vélo Mont-Tremblant!
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