New trail to aid cycling in borough park

In a project joint-funded by Dudley Council and Friends of Hurst Green Park, a new street-themed cycle trail has been laid on an area of hard-standing in Hurst Green Park. It includes a zebra crossing, island and road junctions.

Following a project to resurface the hard standing area of the park for play in 2020, the park is already popular with roller skaters, people riding scooters and children learning to ride their bikes.

It is hoped the new trail, which is a first in a borough park, will help children practice their cycling proficiency as it allows them to simulate actions such as riding on the road.

The total cost for the project is £4,000.

Councillor Damian Corfield, cabinet member for highways and environmental services, said:

This is a great way for children and young people to learn to ride their bike, build their confidence and improve their cycling proficiency, all in the safety of the park.

Thanks to the Friends of Hurst Green for their ambition and efforts in making this project a reality for the benefit of residents.

Sue Armstrong, from the Friends of Hurst Green Park, said:

The friends are passionate about Hurst Green Park, and we are doing all we can to make our park better for everyone.

The park is already popular with children riding their bikes. We have already made improvements to the play area it is now used more.

The friends had the idea to add the street scene to help children and young people practice their cycling skills and proficiency before going on the roads.

We are really pleased with the results. It is already proving popular - children were testing it out as soon as the work was completed.