A PumpTrack is safe if it is properly designed, built, and maintained. Just like a playground or skatepark, a PumpTrack in the Netherlands falls under the Amusement and Playground Equipment Act (WAS), which means that specific legal requirements apply to construction, certification, and management. Below, we answer the most frequently asked questions about safety so that you know exactly what to look out for.
What safety standards must a PumpTrack meet?
A PumpTrack put into use in the Netherlands must comply with the NEN-EN14974, the European standard for skateparks and similar facilities. This standard prescribes requirements for the dimensions, construction, surface finish, and marking of the track. In addition, the Dutch applies Amusement and Playground Equipment Act (WAS), which obliges the operator to keep the facility safe and to have it inspected periodically.
In concrete terms, this means that a certified PumpTrack must not have sharp edges or dangerous protrusions, that the slopes and curves fall within certain angles, and that the surface is rough enough to provide grip, but at the same time smooth enough to ride. asphalt PumpTrack scores well on all these points: asphalt is durable, produces few splinters or loose parts, and is easier to inspect for damage than wood or concrete.
How is a PumpTrack inspected and certified?
After construction, a PumpTrack is inspected by an independent, accredited inspection body. This body tests the track against the NEN-EN14974 standard and, upon approval, establishes a certificate only with that certificate may the PumpTrack be officially opened for public use. Afterwards, the operator, usually the municipality or the recreation park, is obliged to have the track inspected again periodically.
The inspection looks at, among other things:
- The condition of the driving surface (cracks, wear, loose parts)
- The geometry of the curves and hills (slopes that are too steep are rejected)
- The presence of dangerous obstacles in and around the course
- The visibility and readability of rules of use and warnings
Annual maintenance is not a luxury, but a legal obligation. Velosolutions offers annual inspection and maintenance, also via a maintenance contract, so that you as an operator can always demonstrate that the track is safe and well-managed. Without proof of regular inspection and maintenance, the operator runs a risk in the event of an incident.
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Is a PumpTrack safe for young children?
Yes, a PumpTrack is safe for young children, provided the track is well-designed with different zones or a separate entry zone for beginners. Young children ride balance bikes or small bikes and can easily ride the smaller hills and gradual curves. You determine your own speed on a PumpTrack: those who ride calmly go slowly.
An important advantage of an asphalt PumpTrack is that there are no loose parts, unlike with wooden playground equipment. There are no planks that can come loose, and no nails that can pop up. The surface is smooth and predictable. This makes the track reliable, even for the youngest users.
Wearing a helmet is mandatory on Velosolutions PumpTracks. This applies to all users, regardless of age or experience level.
What are the risks associated with a PumpTrack and how are they mitigated?
The primary risk on a PumpTrack is a fall, just like with cycling, rollerblading, or skateboarding. Scrapes and bruises are the most common injuries. Serious injury is rare, especially on a well-designed track where speeds are manageable.
Risks are mitigated in three ways:
- Design: A well-designed track has smooth transitions, no abrupt edges, and clear driving directions so that users do not collide head-on.
- Construction: High-quality asphalt with the right roughness ensures grip without abrasion. Hand-laid asphalt, as we use, provides a better finish than machine-laid asphalt.
- Management: Clear rules of use on signs at the entrance, regular inspection, and prompt repair of damage prevent minor defects from escalating into dangerous situations.
A PumpTrack is by nature a facility where users determine their own speed and level. This makes it inherently safer than a sport where you always perform at maximum intensity, such as a competitive sport.
Who is responsible if an accident happens on a PumpTrack?
The operator of the PumpTrack, in most cases the municipality or the recreation park, is responsible for the safety of the facility. This stems from WAS legislation. The operator must be able to demonstrate that the track is certified, regularly inspected and maintained, and that users have been informed of the rules of use.
If an accident is the result of a defect in the course that the operator could have known about or prevented, the operator may be held liable. Therefore, maintaining a maintenance file so important: that is proof that you, as an administrator, have taken your responsibility.
Accidents resulting from one's own recklessness or disregard of usage rules are in principle outside the operator's liability, but this is always a legal assessment on a case-by-case basis.
How long does a PumpTrack remain safe and what does the maintenance cost?
A high-quality asphalt PumpTrack has a lifespan of at least 20 years with normal use and proper maintenance. During that period, the track remains safe as long as you have an annual inspection carried out and repair minor damage promptly. Asphalt is more robust than wood, which rots, or concrete, which cracks in frost.
Maintenance costs are relatively low in relation to the investment. Velosolutions offers annual inspection and maintenance, also via a maintenance contract, ensuring that you, as an operator, always meet your legal obligations. Any minor repairs are the main cost items besides the inspection. Major overhauls are rarely necessary in the first few years. This makes a PumpTrack an attractive investment when considering the total costs over the entire lifespan, especially compared to wooden playground equipment, which can result in significant replacement costs after just five years. View our completed projects to see what PumpTracks still look like after years of use.
How Velosolutions helps with the safety of your PumpTrack
Safety begins with the first sketches, not at delivery. As a municipality or recreation park, Velosolutions guides you through the entire process, from design to certification and annual maintenance. In concrete terms, this means:
- Certified design that complies with WAS legislation and NEN-EN14974
- Hand-processed asphalt for a safe, durable, and smooth driving surface
- 5 year warranty on all PumpTracks that we build
- Annual inspection and maintenance, also available via a maintenance contract, so that you can always demonstrate that the track is safe
- More than 100 PumpTracks realized in the Netherlands, with 12 years of experience as a market leader
We unburden you completely, so you don't have to worry about certificates, inspections, or liability. Read more about us of request a no-obligation consultation and discover what a PumpTrack can mean for your municipality or park.
