Construction work has begun on a new, 1km long closed road circuit in Carlisle, which is being part-funded by British Cycling.
Representatives of the national governing body – along with partner organisations Carlisle City Council and Cumbria County Council - attended an event to mark the start of construction of the circuit on the Harraby Community Campus earlier this week.
Once complete, the circuit will be available for all ages and abilities to use for training, recreation and competitive cycling and will be the only one of its kind in Cumbria.
John Mills, British Cycling’s head of facility development, said:
“It’s great to see construction work on the Harraby cycle circuit get underway. Establishing a comprehensive network of cycling facilities across the country is one of our main aims at British Cycling, and this new facility will provide a traffic-free environment for the people of Carlisle and Cumbria to build their skills and confidence on a bike.
“Facilities such as these are key if we are to encourage yet more people to take up cycling, and ultimately can help to turn Britain into a healthier and more active nation. We very much look forward to seeing the circuit being used by local people of all ages and abilities once the facility is open.”
Carlisle City councillor Anne Quilter, portfolio holder for Culture, Heritage and Leisure, added:
“The cycle circuit will be an expansion to the existing sports facilities at the Harraby Community Campus and will be first of its kind in Cumbria. We’re delighted with the support we’ve received from British Cycling. The facility will be another community asset and will hopefully encourage greater participation in cycling.”
Building work is expected to take seven months to complete.
