Business backing helps put bike park on track

A community project to create a new mountain bike park in North Yorkshire has shifted up a gear thanks to support from two construction businesses.

Thirsk-based Biker Group has joined forces with building materials supplier Tarmac to provide materials and transport for the new Richmond Bike Park.

Biker Group, which operates across construction, concrete, haulage, groundworks and joinery, has donated and delivered 140 tonnes of aggregate free of charge.

Tarmac has contributed a further 1243 tonnes, worth £20,000, with Biker transporting the material to the site at cost price.

Construction is now well underway on land provided by Zetland Estates, with the free-to-use facility expected to open in September.

Designed for riders of all ages and abilities, the park will feature trails ranging from beginner routes to challenges for experienced mountain bikers.

Patrick Haslam, operations manager at Biker Group, said: “As a business with strong roots in the communities we serve, we’re proud to support a project that will encourage people of all ages to get outdoors, be active and enjoy cycling. 

“We’ve worked closely with Tarmac for many years, so it was fantastic to collaborate once again on a project that will leave a lasting legacy for local families.

“Providing safe, accessible places for children and young people to be active is incredibly important, and we're delighted to have played a small part in making this happen.”

The project is being led by Richmond Bike Park Committee, chaired by Louise Raine.

Louise launched the campaign after regularly travelling 45 minutes to find somewhere safe for her three children to cycle, inspiring her ambition to create an accessible facility closer to home.

She added: “The support from Biker Group and Tarmac has made a huge difference to this project.

“Saving on materials and haulage means more of the money we’ve worked so hard to raise can be invested in creating the best possible bike park for the community.

“This facility has always been about giving local children, families and riders of all abilities somewhere safe, fun and accessible to enjoy mountain biking. 

“Partnerships like this are helping turn that vision into a reality, and we’re incredibly grateful for the generosity and support we’ve received.”

The initiative adds to Biker Group’s wider community support, which includes backing local sports clubs and charities including Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie and The Rob Burrow Centre.

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