Bmx Dirt Jumps and Trails

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SSESSMENTS

BMX DIRT JUMPS AND TRAILS

INTRODUCTION

A bike trail for your village or town seems a simple project. Just a series of dips and hills for a few bikes cannot be complicated, and the temptation might be to turn the scheme into a do-it-yourself weekend involving a gang of willing parents. However, what starts as a rough sketch on the back of an envelope might turn into a nightmare if not designed and planned carefully.

FIRST STAGES

From the outset, the youngsters who are going to use the bike trail should be involved in your discussions. It is vital that they have input in the early stages, and be encouraged to actively participate in every stage of the works, even to the point of acting as technical consultants during construction works. The end-user has valuable experience and can prevent costly mistakes that may lead to the under-usage of the trail. “Ownership” of the project brings the benefit of commitment to the trail’s upkeep and future development, and children feel their contribution is validated and valued, especially if working with the construction team.

You probably have a site already in mind. However, do bear in mind that local footpaths/trails used by the public for pleasure, including walking dogs or being accompanied by young children should not combine use by riders. BMX trails should be clearly marked and defined by agreement with the LAND OWNER, who must be consulted and give prior consent to any alterations to the site.

Local residents need to be considered and the implications of noise and access need to be carefully thought through and discussed with all relevant parties. Police and local authorities are generally of the opinion that the provision of bike trails and skateboarding has beneficial effects for the community but this needs to be offset by the very real concerns of the proposed neighbourhood in which the trail is to be sited.

Additionally, crucial to your project is the supervision of the works by a technically competent person, who has experience in site works and in particular the provision of play and recreation facilities. He can advise on the suitability of the site, check levels (look at and plot the natural contours and condition of the area you are planning to use), and point out possible pitfalls before they happen! In consultation with the children and your committee, early design and features can then be discussed and a plan and costings can be produced, tailored to your exact requirements and budget. Look for flexibility from your expert, so that design changes can be made as the works progress, thus giving your trail maximum appeal.

DESIGNING THE TRAIL

Moving from the overview of the early stages of the project, you then need to be thinking about many things as you plan your trail.

We have listed our suggestions, and have split these into sections, so that you can consider each point and begin to develop your own ideas:

DESIGN

Shape of trail – will it be a complete circuit or downhill run only?

Consider the natural shape of your site – if you are lucky enough to have hills and dips, this will save considerably on the amount of earth-moving that needs to be done, or infill that needs to be brought in.

Surface – what type of surface will most suit your site?

Can you afford tarmac, or would you like to start with a cheaper option and consider “up-grading” to tarmac as funds allow? Think about drainage; dirt tracks are the cheapest to construct but care has to be taken that water does not collect in dips, which can cause damage to bikes’ gears etc. Stone tracks can be used year-round but the surface is looser, which can add to the excitement but can also slow progress. Tarmac is long lasting, but consider the impact on the environment – would a more natural material blend in better?

Jumps –

Tabletop – with ramped/vertical/concave access

Spine Double hump Ripples

High jumps – consider providing by-pass routes for younger users.

Look at who will be using the site – these can be installed at varying heights to add interest and provide fun for all levels of ability. The layout of all dirt jump courses should be agreed before construction commences with special attention being paid to length and height of the jumps. There are no national standards for such activities but it is recommended that common sense should be applied with knowledge of the individual riders’ experience and capabilities.

Where space permits it is advisable to have varying degrees of difficulty for the jumps with single “Runs” designed for Novice riders up to more Experienced riders. Smaller jumps build confidence whilst the bigger jumps give the “air” or thrill all riders are seeking. The provision of easy “get-out” areas will enable younger users to gain experience and gradually build up their skills.

Look out for - runs that create collision zones (i.e., cross-overs and shared run ups onto different jumps). Collision accidents account for most of the serious injuries, and in order to reduce risk Runs that can be ridden either way should be avoided. It is recommended that a safety area be incorporated into the design, known as the Fall Zone, which runs within 3m of the track or jumps. Trees or other obstacles should be avoided, and hanging branches or foliage that may impede a rider removed. It is important to ensure there are no hard objects in the Fall Zone.

Corners – Banked Hair pin Chicane

Even a simple downhill run needs the variety and challenge of a few well placed twists and turns! Care needs to be exercised so that the maximum fun is achieved with the minimum of risk, so plan these features in consultation with your young experts. Enthusiasm tempered with caution is usually a good mix.

Launch Pads –

For gaining speed and adding excitement, but again caution is needed in order to maintain the fun/risk ratio.

Add-on facilities –

Consider incorporating skateboard ramps if budget will allow. This widens the scope of the area and attracts more users.

Have teenagers somewhere to congregate and chat? All types of teen-shelters are available and need to be fairly heavy-duty and vandal resistant.

GOOD SIGNAGE

Whilst a clearly worded sign or notice is only ADVISORY it should at least indicate the location of the nearest telephone, First Aid and ownership of the site in case of accident with a list of good advice, conditions of use, hours, ages, etc. - AND MOST IMPORTANTLY – a request inviting all riders to wear personal suitable safety equipment including helmets!

(See CPFAs Topic Sheet No.5 Playground Notices for more information)

RISK ASSESSMENT

The site must be Risk Assessed and should be regularly inspected and assessed for any changes in the degree of risk. All forms of Play and Sport involve a degree of risk – managing and controlling the risk is an important part of the provider’s responsibility. Hazards, however, should not be tolerated and every effort should be made to ensure the site contains nothing hazardous. Falling off a bike or missing a jump on a well-maintained and regularly inspected track is a risk ALL riders take. Riding into debris, the remains of a homemade jump for example, is an unacceptable risk and should be properly regarded as a hazard. It is both reasonable and practical to prevent through regular inspection of the facility. The providers could be held negligent in the event of such accidents involving similar hazards.

(See CPFAs Topic SheetNo.4 on Risk Assessment for further advice)

GOOD PRACTICE

The landowner or management group must be consulted about any additions or alterations to a Trail or Jump layout, and permission granted before work can begin. Taking photographs of the agreed finished scheme (from different angles) will prevent any arguments or disputes about what was originally agreed.

INDEPENDENT INSPECTION

RoSPA or a similarly suitable independent organisation should be invited annually to inspect and risk assess the facility just as for a Children’s Playground or Sports Field. A regular programme is recommended for carrying out documented DAILY, WEEKLY, MONTHLY and QUARTERLY INSPECTIONS along the line of children’s playground inspections.

See back page for suggested checklist.

INSURANCE

So long as the provider can demonstrate the same systematic approach to health and safety as for a children’s playground insurance companies will accept wheeled sports activities such as BMX bike trails and dirt jumps. It is important to first inform the insurance company of the new facility and to provide evidence of any inspection and maintenance routines. At this stage it may be useful to supply a photograph of the site and a sketch plan indicating measurements and location of the facility.

Hopefully this information sheet will have given you some ideas and practical suggestions to help you to plan your project.

The CPFA movement is grateful to Leicestershire & Rutland Playing Fields Association and The Oxfordshire Playing Fields Association for producing this topic sheet is also pleased to acknowledge the invaluable assistance provided by Fields in Trust and RoSPA in the origination of material for this Information Sheet, and in particular, to Duncan Robertson of Playsafe Playgrounds a company specialising in the design and construction of BMX Bike Trails. Whilst every care has been taken in the production of the Information Sheet, CPFAs cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies that might occur or be held liable for any advice given. April 05

BMX DIRT JUMPS AND TRAILS

SUGGESTED INSPECTION CHECK LIST

VISUAL or DAILY INSPECTION (particularly in school holiday times and at weekends)

A simple VISUAL inspection looking for obvious signs of hazards, broken glass, hard objects in the fall zones equipment left on site etc.

Ø  Check for any sign of new construction or digging

Ø  Note date of Visual inspection and report back to CONTROLLER any adverse findings

WEEKLY or MONTHLY (depending upon popularity but more frequently at peak use times)

Carry out VISUAL Inspection (as above)

Ø  Check layout with agreed layout (photographs/sketch map)

Ø  Examine condition of track or jumps

-  look for hard objects in fall zones

-  check for overhanging trees/foliage and remove

-  make good the track or jump surface with appropriate material

-  remove any unauthorised equipment such as mattresses or pallets or flat boards

Ø  Make sure Litter is removed on regular basis

Ø  Check any gates or fences are in working order

Ø  Make sure signs are legible and intact (and accurate telephone numbers used)

Ø  Look for any hazard on or around the site and take appropriate action to remove the hazard.

Ø  Document the inspection and report any work required to the Controller

MONTHLY or QUARTERLY (depending upon popularity of site)

Carry out VISUAL and WEEKLY Inspections as above but it is advisable that TWO people carry out the MONTHLY or QUARTERLY inspection, which should be more detailed and considered.

Ø  As well as carrying out the above actions:

-  Examine the condition of the track and jumps for long term damage/repairs

-  Examine the surrounding environment for any adverse damage/effects and repairs

-  Organise general tidy up of site using local riders and enthusiasts

Ø  Organise a joint work party with riders and their parents to carry out the work and if alterations have been agreed supervise the necessary work or appoint project supervisor to report back to management group. Take photographs of any changes.

Ø  Document the inspection and report any work required to the Management group responsible for the facility (e.g. parish council)

Organise a meeting between the Users (and parents) with the landowner or management group/organisation to monitor the use and future of the site/facility (twice a year)

ENCOURAGE ALL RIDERS AND USERS TO WALK AND INSPECT THE TRACK OR JUMPS BEFORE RIDING TO ENSURE NO HAZARDS ARE PRESENT AND THE TRACK IS CLEAR OF OBSTACLES

See www.cpfas.org.uk website for more information and the Lincolnshire PFA and Fields in Trust downloadable Routine inspection CD.

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