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Pump Track or How to Keep Kids Entertained on a Bike

In the last few years, pump tracks have been experiencing a real boom! It is a safe and attractive place where young cyclist can let off some steam and improve their riding skills. And it is suitable for bikes, scooters, skateboards, or even rollerblades.

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While cruising on a pump track can be challenging for parents, it’s great fun for little riders. And the best part? It naturally develops motor skills, coordination, and builds courage! This article explains what a pump track is, why it’s great for kids, and how to prepare for a pump track ride. And don’t worry – at the end, we’ll tell you how to find the nearest pump track!

What is a Pump Track?

A pump track is a closed circuit with rollers and banked turns. It is designed to be ridden without pedaling, generating momentum by up and down body movements, which is called “pumping”. The track can be ridden at various speeds, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced riders.

A pump track can be ridden by little children on balance bikes, kid's bikes, older children on mountain bikes, freestyle scooters or BMX bikes – and even by parents, if they dare! Everyone can have a go.

Why Are Pump Tracks Great for Children?

Balance & Coordination Development

Call me a Master of Balance! Riding a pump track forces children to use their whole body, watch the terrain and react to its changes, which develops their motor skills. Pump track is a great way for children to improve their riding and movement skills.

A Fun Form of Exercise

The best exercise is the one that children enjoy. Every parent has experienced an unpleasant situation where the child frowns when you say, “Let’s go for a walk” or “Don’t you want to exercise?” And if you sign him up for the local exercise activities without consulting with them first, they‘ll keep making excuses to skip them every week.

But guess what – you won’t need to force your child to ride a pump track: they won't even notice that they're doing some exercise. Plus, they'll have fun riding and build up their physique.

Confidence & Endurance Training

If your little one can easily be called Miss or Mister Impatient, take them to a pump track playground – it's a great patience trainer. It teaches children that practice makes perfect, and that if they want to get good at something, it takes time, perseverance, and desire. A great life lesson!

The first rides may be a bit wobbly, but the more they ride, the better they get at it. And every improvement motivates and strengthens the child's confidence.

Supporting Social Bonds

Like any public space, riding a pump track brings interactions with others. Young riders will learn they are not alone on the road. To avoid unpleasant accidents, they must watch out for what is happening around them. At the same time, they improve their communication skills and often make new friends at the pump track.

Tips for Parents: How to Prepare a Child for a Ride on a Pump Track

1. Always wear a helmet. Knee and elbow pads are also recommended, especially for smaller children or beginners. Protective equipment is key to safe riding. A quality children's helmet is essential.

Tip: To learn more, check the article 4 Steps: How to Choose a Children's Bicycle Helmet?

2. Respect the child's riding skill level. Do not force your little rider into obstacles they do not dare to tackle. Let them ride at their own pace so they can naturally develop their riding skills.

3. Stay hydrated and don’t forget to rest. Riding a pump track is physically demanding. Overcoming obstacles requires a lot of energy, which needs to be regained regularly. Ensure your little rider sticks to the right drinking regime and takes regular breaks.

Tip: How to keep a small cyclist’s drinking regime? Here are some practical tips: The Drinking Regime of Young Cyclists: Why Is It Important and How to Follow It?

4. Be an example. Do you dare to ride along? Feel free to join in! Doing sports together bonds, and you will earn the title of Mom or Dad of the Year. Which of your classmates can say that their dad or mom can cruise a pump track?

5. Let your child explore. Because that’s what they like the most! A pump track is like a playground – everyone finds their style and way to ride it. Just pay attention to the rules: pump tracks are normally ridden only one way.

Find a Local Pump Track

We include a smart website to locate some of the public pump tracks. Just enter the name of your city, and the site will show you the nearest pump track courses in the area.

If you live in a smaller town or village, select the location of the nearest larger city. However, nowadays, every other small town has its pump track. And not all of them are registered. So, try asking your friends if they know of any nearby ones.

To find a pump track visit www.pumptrack.com.

Tip: The best children's pump track bike? Only RASCAL bike! Light, durable and designed to meet children's needs. Just pick your favourite colour and have fun!

Let’s get pumpin’!

The pump track playground is a great proof that keeping fit can be so much fun. It perfectly combines sport, fun, and physical development of children – all in an easily accessible activity. Just grab a bike, scooter, or balance bike, put on a helmet, and off you go!

No matter if you live in a big city, a small town, or a village: thanks to smart websites or your friends’ reference, you will spot a nearby pump track in the blink of an eye. Is the nearest one too far away? Maybe it's time to contact your local council and initiate building one.

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