You choose the right location for a PumpTrack based on four factors: available space, subsurface, accessibility, and legal requirements. A permanent asphalt PumpTrack requires a minimum of 400 to 600 square meters, demands a stable and well-draining subsurface, and must comply with Dutch WAS legislation. You can read below how to weigh all these factors and which mistakes to avoid.
How much space do you need for a PumpTrack?
A PumpTrack requires a minimum of 400 to 600 square meters for a functional track suitable for all ages. Smaller designs are possible, but below 400 m², the riding experience is limited and the track is less suitable for advanced users. Larger locations offer room for expansions and a richer mix of rollers and turns.
The required space also depends on the desired difficulty level and target group. A beginner's track for young children can be more compact, while a track that also appeals to adults on BMX or mountain bikes requires more length and variety. Also take into account:
- Safety zone around the track (at least 1 to 2 meters of clear space on all sides)
- Access routes for users and for maintenance
- Seating and spectator area for parents and caregivers
- Potential expansion space for future additions
Create a permanent asphalt PumpTrack It is compact in relation to what it delivers: on a relatively small surface area, you offer a facility that is used by preschoolers, teenagers, and adults. That makes it one of the most space-efficient sports investments a municipality can make.
Which surface is suitable for a permanent PumpTrack?
A permanent asphalt PumpTrack requires a stable, load-bearing subsoil that drains water effectively. Sandy or peaty soils require additional preparation, such as a foundation of crushed stone. Clay soil is suitable provided adequate drainage is present. The subsoil largely determines the construction time and total costs.
Before the track is constructed, a geotechnical survey is conducted to determine whether the soil is stable enough. Poor drainage leads to subsidence and damage to the asphalt, which shortens its lifespan. A well-prepared foundation, on the other hand, ensures a lifespan of at least 20 years, making the investment significantly cheaper in the long run than regularly replacing wooden or concrete playground equipment.
Also pay attention to the slope of the terrain. A slight slope can easily be incorporated into the design, but more extreme elevation differences require more earthwork and increase construction costs. Flat terrain is the easiest and cheapest to work with.
Want to have an asphalt PumpTrack installed?
500+ tracks worldwide · UCI certified · 5-year warranty
Where in a municipality is a PumpTrack most effective?
A PumpTrack works best in locations where there is already activity: at sports parks, schools, neighborhood parks, or recreational areas with a high visitor frequency. Visibility and accessibility are the two most important factors for usage. A PumpTrack that no one sees or is difficult to reach is simply used less.
The most successful locations combine three characteristics:
- Visibility: the lane is visible from a busy route or playground, which encourages spontaneous use
- Directions: easily accessible on foot, by bicycle or public transport, and preferably with sufficient bicycle parking space
- Social context: proximity to other facilities such as a playground, canteen, or sports hall increases the time spent and usage
Do you want to know how other municipalities have handled this? View our completed projects for concrete examples of location choices throughout the Netherlands.
What legal requirements apply to the choice of location for a PumpTrack?
A permanent PumpTrack in a public space must comply with the Dutch Amusement and Playground Equipment Act (WAS) and the associated standard NEN-EN 14974. This applies as soon as the track is freely accessible to the public. The location itself must comply with zoning regulations, and a safety zone must be maintained around the track.
WAS legislation stipulates that a PumpTrack is considered an attraction or playground equipment and must therefore be inspected periodically. That means:
- Certification upon completion according to NEN-EN 14974
- Annual inspection by a recognized inspection body
- Documentation of maintenance and inspections
- Security zone free of obstacles around the track
In addition to the WAS legislation, it is advisable to contact the municipality early regarding the zoning plan. An environmental permit is required at some locations, depending on the size of the track and the modifications to the surroundings.
How do you combine a PumpTrack with other sports facilities?
A PumpTrack combines well with playgrounds, skateparks, basketball courts, and outdoor sports equipment. The track attracts a broad target audience, from young children to adults, and complements existing facilities rather than replacing them. A smart combination increases the overall utilization of the site and lowers the investment per user.
When combining facilities, there are a few practical points to consider:
- Ensure clear routing: prevent users of the PumpTrack from crossing the playground or vice versa
- Keep the target audiences in mind: younger children and faster drivers benefit from a physical separation
- Think of shared facilitiesBenches, lighting, and sanitary facilities are useful for all amenities and keep costs manageable.
- Plan room for growthA PumpTrack can be expanded with separate elements if the location allows.
A PumpTrack is suitable for anyone with wheels, from a child on a balance bike to an adult on a skateboard, scooter, or inline skates. Users of manual wheelchairs can also use a Velosolutions PumpTrack — a handbike is not necessary for this. As a result, a PumpTrack serves a much broader age and user group than a traditional playground, making it a logical addition to virtually any outdoor sports location.
What are common mistakes when choosing a PumpTrack location?
The most common mistake is choosing a location that is available rather than one that is suitable. A remote corner of a park seems attractive because there is space, but if no one sees the course or makes the effort to go there, usage lags. Choosing a location based on ease of use rather than availability makes all the difference.
Other errors we see regularly:
- Reserving too little space: the track fits just right, but there is no room for the safety zone or future expansion
- Do not conduct a soil investigation: poor drainage or an unstable subsoil leads to subsidence and higher maintenance costs
- Overlooking the zoning plan: discovering only after the planning phase that a permit is required, which causes delays
- Do not involve local residents: resistance afterwards can be prevented by informing residents early in the process
- Only thinking about the installation costsA cheaper location with poor drainage can turn out to be more expensive in the long run due to extra maintenance.
A good choice of location therefore requires a combination of technical insight, knowledge of laws and regulations, and common sense about how people use a place.
How Velosolutions helps with the location selection for your PumpTrack
Velosolutions guides municipalities and recreation parks from the initial idea to completion, including location selection. With over 100 PumpTracks built in the Netherlands and 12 years of experience as a market leader, we know exactly which locations work and which pitfalls you want to avoid. We are part of a global network of 35 partners, which means we also incorporate international examples and best practices into our advice.
What we do for you:
- Location advice based on your available space, target audience, and budget
- Technical assessment of the subsurface and drainage situation
- Support with permit processes and WAS certification
- Custom-made design that suits the location and the wishes of the municipality
- Annual inspection and maintenance, available as a standalone service or via a maintenance contract, with a 5-year warranty on the track.
Discover who we are and read how we have been helping municipalities and recreation parks with sustainable sports facilities for over a decade. Ready to explore the possibilities for your location? Request a no-obligation consultation and we are happy to think along with you.
