Best pump tracks for kids

What is a pump track? 

A pump track is a purpose-built cycling track suitable for all ages and most types of bikes. The track has man-made lumps and bumps which create a fun flowing exciting track for a child to ride.

The corners and bends of a pump track are called berms, and usually they create a continuous loop, with entry and exit points.

Skilled riders will be able to ‘pump’ the lumps and bumps, creating speed meaning they can get around the track without pedalling, picking up speed and maybe even jumping over the humps- but children usually like to pedal away and will sometimes need an eager adult to run behind them and help push them up the steeper parts.

What bike does my child need for a pump track? 

Almost all bikes are suitable for a pump track! From first balance bikes to hybrids, mountain bikes and bmx bikes.

Where can I find a pump track near me? 

More Dirt has created an ultimate directory of all pump tracks in the UK

Pump track safety- does my child need a helmet? 

Pump tracks are fun, motor vehicle-free places, but often have other trail users so it's important to give each other space and share the track well- especially if your little one is moving around slower than other users. 

If your child is on a balance bike, we recommend your child can confidently balance, glide and stop before they venture onto a pump track, and you might need to run alongside to help and keep them away from other users. 

They will need to balance and control their speed on the bumps and hills to prevent crashing. 

Should your child wear a helmet is a personal family decision, but many pump tracks will have signage stating helmets are necessary, as the chance of falling and crashing is higher in this sort of hilly and flowing pump track environment. 

How to ride a pump track

Pump tracks are designed to be ridden in a continuous loop, without the need to pedal. Skilled riders will be able to ‘pump’ their bikes, in order to build speed around the track. Pumping is the act of weighting and unweighting the bike at certain times on the trail and is a fun skill to learn. 

Younger riders will need to pedal at certain times or get a push up bigger hills from an adult, but will still have a lot of fun! 

Pump tracks are to be ridden in one direction only and it's important to be considerate of other users to ensure you're sharing the facility fairly and safely.