The sessions, put on by Access Sport, are aimed at those who do not have their own bikes. Those who use equipment that supports their mobility such as wheelchairs or trikes are also encouraged to bring these along and to try them at the park. Sessions are COVID-19 risk assessed and will be following current government and British Cycling guidance.

Bexley’s Cabinet Member for Places, Councillor Peter Craske, said: “Our new Bike Park has already proved to be a very popular place for all ages and abilities. After spending so much time indoors this past year, it’s been great to see young people outside, keeping fit and having the opportunity to practice BMX, WCMX, skateboarding, roller skating and more. Counters in place show that so far, the park has been used around 375 times a day since its gate opened for private sessions at the end of March!”

Built by specialists Velosolutions, the bike park is designed to offer something for everyone, from beginners to those with experience. The park includes a pump track consisting of a circuit of rollers, banked turns (berms) and more. There’s also a learn to ride area and a skills area with practice jumps, a berm and a portable start-gate system to practice BMX racing.

The park is free to visit and is also home to the brand-new volunteer-led Bexley Bike Club, which provides the equipment needed to run regular private, school and group sessions. The ball court at Martens Grove Park can still be used.

London Borough of Bexley worked with Access Sport to secure funding for Bexley Bike Park from the ‘Places to Ride’ programme (delivered in partnership by British Cycling, Sport England and DCMS), London Marathon Charitable Trust and HSBC.

Sarah Toone, Delivery Development Manager from Access Sport, said: “We are delighted to welcome this new facility to Bexley. The track and training areas look amazing and are a joy to use. We hope that this exciting space will inspire local people to get on bikes, skateboards and other people powered wheels and get active and creative, particularly after recent restrictions. It is a great asset for the local community. The track will also be an inspiring place to learn to ride or increase cycling confidence with the potential to benefit all.”

Andy Farr, Head of Facility & Investment Strategy at British Cycling, added: “Bexley Bike Hub is a great example of how cycling can develop a community, so we are pleased to support the efforts to construct the facility through Places to Ride. We are well into an exciting few years for the Places to Ride fund and the lasting legacy the UCI Road World Championships will bring to the country and have no doubt that this cash boost will encourage more people from a range of backgrounds – regardless of age, gender, ability or ethnicity – to engage with cycling.”

Joe Thompson, Facilities Grants Lead at The London Marathon Charitable Trust, said: “Providing opportunities for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to be physically active, contributing to their physical and mental wellbeing, has never been so important. This fantastic new track in Bexley and the planned outreach sessions will enable more people to participate in cycling and other activities at the track, helping to inspire activity within the local community.”