A new bike park is a step closer to reality in a North Yorkshire town thanks to £250,000 in community-driven funding.
The park, designed to promote cycling and active travel, will be built in Richmond, with construction due to start in May.
Richmond Bike Park committee chair Louise Raine said: "We're absolutely thrilled to have already reached this brilliant milestone and a huge thanks to all the organisations that have committed to the vision of this amazing project.
"The Bike Park is being built for everyone in the community, creating safe, high-quality cycling space and opportunities for young people to get involved.
"We can’t wait to get started in May."
A soft launch is planned for autumn 2026, with a full opening scheduled for spring 2027 following a planting season aimed at boosting biodiversity on the site.
Funding has come from a mix of sources including The National Lottery, Sport England, Broadacres Housing Association and the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority Movement, Activity and Support Grant.
The project also reflects a broad base of support, with contributions from local businesses, individual donors and community volunteers.
A key focus of the bike park is engagement with schools, youth groups and families.
Planned activities at the park will include bike skills workshops, safety training, environmental education and volunteering opportunities for young people.
The park aims to foster early interest in cycling and active travel, while building a sense of pride, responsibility and long-term stewardship among young people.
Although the initial £250,000 target has been met, continued fundraising and volunteer involvement will be vital to further develop the site and support its sustainability.
A specialist contractor has been appointed following a competitive process to deliver the main build, but the project will also include ‘community dig days’ where volunteers can help with site preparation, hedging, planting and other hands-on tasks.
The team is seeking donations of machinery, benches, signage and landscaping materials to support the next phase of work.
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Led by a group of dedicated volunteers, the Richmond Bike Park project continues to welcome support from anyone with time, skills or resources to offer.
Opportunities are available in fundraising, communications, sponsorship, build days and project management.
The bike park is intended to serve as a long-term asset for the area, offering a safe and engaging space for cycling that supports health, wellbeing and youth development.
