A revitalization of a seldom-used community space in Bathurst could transform it into a vibrant cycling hub aimed at promoting safety and activity among children. Former professional cyclist and local business owner Mark Renshaw is collaborating with Deputy Mayor Ben Fry to enhance the BMX facility located alongside River Road. With the nearby bike park between College Road and Vale Road now the more popular choice, Renshaw sees an opportunity to reinvigorate the BMX track.
Renshaw envisions the area as a family-friendly destination. “I have a vision of turning this parcel of land into a place where we can bring our children, we can come and ride as adults, as kids, and use this to get off the road,” he stated. His ambitious proposal includes three main enhancements: upgrading the existing BMX track, adding a pump track specifically for younger riders, and constructing a one-kilometre criterium-style track designed for more experienced cyclists.
The planned improvements focus heavily on safety. Renshaw emphasized the importance of providing a secure environment for children, saying, “When we talk about kids under the age of 10, they don’t have that awareness yet of an adult, but they certainly can ride fast.” He believes that allowing young riders to safely experience speed without the risk of traffic is a significant advantage.
In addition to safety, Renshaw sees this initiative as a critical opportunity for young people to develop essential cycling skills from an early age. He reflected on his own childhood, stating that a facility like this would have been a “huge benefit” during his formative years as a cyclist.
Collaboration with local authorities is crucial for the project’s success. Deputy Mayor Fry has expressed strong support, noting that he and former Councillor Kirralee Burke had previously discussed the potential for a pump track at the River Road site. “To have Mark Renshaw come to me and pitch an idea that was bigger and better than we ever could have imagined was exciting,” Fry remarked.
The proposed project is estimated to cost between $500,000 and $1 million. Fry believes it could align well with the Bathurst Active Transport Strategy, which aims to improve cycling and walking infrastructure in the area. Although the Bathurst council currently faces financial constraints, Fry is optimistic about leveraging local expertise and securing grants to minimize the financial impact on council resources.
“We need to develop an appetite within council – first step,” he stated. He is keen to involve the community in the project, emphasizing the importance of building a business case and concept design with local support. “This is an official shout-out to you to see if you can help put the shoulder to the wheel, or the foot to the pedal, for this particular project,” Fry added.
The collaboration between Renshaw and Fry signals a proactive approach to enhancing the local cycling culture while promoting safety and activity among youth in Bathurst. If successful, this initiative could serve as a model for similar projects in communities across the country.
