E-bikes and RC cars could wreck reopened BMX track

The chairman of a BMX track that was damaged by flooding has asked users not to use e-bikes or remote control cars, as it could "wreck" the newly laid surface.

In 2024, Milton Keynes BMX Racing Club's track in the Pineham area of the city was regularly submerged by floodwater, meaning it was only open for 100 days of the year.

The track was reopened on 14 April following repair work by volunteers and a grant from Sport England.

Chairman Paul Ritchie said: "It won't be open for long if people continue to trash it by using electric-powered bikes and scooters and remote-control cars here."

Mr Ritchie explained that the powered vehicles could carve deep ruts into the track, which were dangerous for other cyclists.

He continued: "I know it's frustrating that there aren't enough facilities for everyone who wants to use e-bikes or RC cars.

"BMX racing tracks are simply not designed for powered vehicles of any shape or size, and the sign by the track entrance clearly states this.

"The increase in flooding over recent years means it's a constant struggle just to keep MK's track usable for bicycles. Please, please, please don't make things harder by using powered vehicles on it."

Volunteers claimed to have seen people using the city's rental e-scooters, provided by a company called Lime, on the track.

The club said it asked the firm to trace those riders or use geotracking technology to block the vehicles from entering the area, but had not received a response.

Elizabeth Day, UK&I operations manager for Lime said the company had taken action to stop people misusing vehucles on the track in August.

She said: "We implemented a No Operation Zone across the track, which disables electric assist and prevents bikes and scooters from being parked in that area".

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