New York Gets First Asphalt Pump Track in North America

Jul 7, 2015 at 14:50
by Velosolutions Global  
TEARS OF JOY IN NEW YORK CITY

New York City has the first Velosolutions asphalt pump track in North America and it’s already been painted by artist Jon Burgerman.

New York City Velosolutions Pump Track Location
  If this city can put in a pump track like this, so can yours.

The first Velosolutions Asphalt Pump Track in North America.
  Wow. Speechless.

The first Velosolutions Asphalt Pump Track in North America.
  Ok, let's find words.


When we received the email from Christopher from NYCMTB, we thought: "Wow, how cool would it be to build a pump track in New York City!?"

When he showed us pictures, we thought: "Is this really true?"

When we went to see the site, we just didn’t know what to think anymore, but we knew, we had to build this pump track no matter what.

The first Velosolutions Asphalt Pump Track in North America.
The first Velosolutions Asphalt Pump Track in North America.

NYCMTB and the Brooklyn Farms were given a piece of land right by the waterfront, next to the Williamsburg Bridge and the Domino Sugar Factory. While the Brooklyn Farms are going to grow their own vegetables and enjoy one of the only green spaces in Brooklyn, Brooklyn Bike Park is going to run the Velosolutions Pump Track together with NYCMTB and Skateboard Supercross (SBSX).

The first Velosolutions Asphalt Pump Track in North America.
The first Velosolutions Asphalt Pump Track in North America.
The first Velosolutions Asphalt Pump Track in North America.
The first Velosolutions Asphalt Pump Track in North America.
  When we were building the pump track, we had to stop the machines once in a while and look at the view, then pinch ourselves to see if we're dreaming or if this was real.

The construction was very tough, as the heat in New York City was a lot higher than we expected. It was a good thing that we had pro riders Adrien Loron and Xavier Pasamonte going hard to make it happen.

The first Velosolutions Asphalt Pump Track in North America.
The first Velosolutions Asphalt Pump Track in North America.
The first Velosolutions Asphalt Pump Track in North America.
The first Velosolutions Asphalt Pump Track in North America.
  Artist Jon Burgerman came in and made the dream of the first painted Velosolutions pump track reality!

The first Velosolutions Asphalt Pump Track in North America.
  Sometimes, when I sat on the track after work, looking at Manhattan on the other side of the East River, I couldn't hide my tears of joy.

The first Velosolutions Asphalt Pump Track in North America.

The Velosolutions Brooklyn Bike Park is located at Kent Avenue, by the waterfront, between the Williamsburg Bridge and the Domino Sugar Factory. More information about the opening hours, bike rentals and events on brooklynbikepark.org

With this project, Velosolutions officially announces its USA-partner. Velosolutions USA is based in Florida and can be contacted through www.velosolutions.ch We are looking forward to providing more pump tracks to the kids in the USA!

We wish Brooklyn and New York City a lot of fun with the first Velosolutions Pump Track and thanks to all the people involved in this unforgettable experience! Ride on!

The first Velosolutions Asphalt Pump Track in North America.
  The Velosolutions Brooklyn Bike Park will also be home to a Skateboard Supercross Academy.

More photos can be found here.

Expect a video to come out within the next two weeks.

The official inauguration will be on August 4th, just before the World Cup DH in Windham, NY. The Brooklyn Bike Park is already open.

The first Velosolutions Asphalt Pump Track in North America.
The first Velosolutions Asphalt Pump Track in North America.
The first Velosolutions Asphalt Pump Track in North America.
The first Velosolutions Asphalt Pump Track in North America.

All photos by Peter Rauch.



MENTIONS: @velosolutions



Author Info:
velosolutionsglobal avatar

Member since Jul 30, 2011
81 articles

127 Comments
  • 123 0
 a new monument to see in NYC
  • 31 3
 the best monument
  • 17 0
 empire state building my butt, I'm seeing this
  • 3 7
flag MojoMaujer (Jul 8, 2015 at 12:30) (Below Threshold)
 it is only going to last a year or so...
  • 4 0
 Now I have a reason to visit NYC! Not kidding.
  • 2 2
 3 years....maybemore w community's already strong support
  • 1 5
flag MojoMaujer (Jul 9, 2015 at 8:17) (Below Threshold)
 LOL.... what community? Please stop with the bs...
  • 35 0
 ....and Los Angeles fails again!!!!! Don't know why it's so hard to get this city to understand the value in these things!!! But 5000 baseball fields is fine!
  • 8 1
 Don't worry, the diamonds will be replaced by soccer(futbol) fields of fake grass soon.
  • 4 7
 I'd guess around 3/400,000 US. for the build....the land...who knows!
  • 4 0
 The land is land that would normally be in limbo between tearing down an old building (Domino shuuuga factory in this case) and building a new sky scraper for wealthy people interested in living in hipster-burg. People put forth project ideas to keep the land attractive and positive towards the community rather then turning into a vacant lot where drugs and BJ's are exchanged.
  • 4 0
 Yeah really it's so stupid that LA is like the birthplace of bmx and we fail to have any form of pump track. Not to mention most of the skateparks don't allow bikes.
  • 3 0
 And I'm sure a skate park costs twice or three times as much to build, as well as you don't need a whole lot of land for a pump track.
  • 15 0
 @mobilechernobyl
Hmm, pumptrack or drugs/bjs...
  • 8 0
 We had a sweet pump track in LA ( inner city pump) but it was on a private lot so therefore borrowed time. I shed a tear to see her go.
SoCal is the birth of many of the sports I love ( or at least where a high percentage of pros live to practice them ) but somehow I always feel like the enemy here when I do them. Sucks.

The authorities would rather just approve another water sucking, environment hating golf course community.
  • 2 0
 @Dustfarter
Respect ICPT, I miss that spot terribly Frown would hit almost 3 times a week befor work. Just befor the end it was super dialed.
  • 8 0
 Irony...
Minneapolis = worst weather for biking, best bike path system in the US.
Los Angeles = best weather for biking, worst bike path system in the US.
  • 2 0
 Not to mention the now illegal dirtbike riding spots. Moto was born in SoCal and now they kill it for all the new generations.
  • 1 0
 @motard5
Minneapolis weather is fine as long as you're willing to clean your bike afterwards and know how to dress. During the summer it's dry as a motherf_cker here sometimes! Razz
  • 1 0
 Does pinkbike censor your comment if you spell out a curse word?
  • 1 0
 @jrocksdh I don't actually know.. But I've seen other people's comments censored, presumably by choice, so I figured maybe it'd be a good idea to
  • 24 0
 Anyone know what the cost is for something like this? I would love to push for one of these or something similar in Portland, ME.
  • 15 0
 I don't know what the cost of the track itself is, I'm more amazed they were able to obtain the land to build it on. I'm shocked this land didn't already have a luxury highrise apartment building on it already.
  • 5 0
 the land is borrowed (sadly). We built a dirt one across the street where this one was 2 years ago but it was demolished for condo's. They're gonna demolish this one in 4 years when the development company start building more condos.
  • 1 0
 They built this knowing that they were going to demo it in 4 years???? Seems like a good plan
  • 1 0
 Sounds like I need to get over to Brooklyn! We need this out on LI. If only we could get the State Parks to go along with it.
  • 1 0
 it would be at least $300,000 depending on the size of the track
  • 15 0
 The only thing more fun than his course previews has to be Claudio's pumptracks.
  • 10 0
 Rockhill South Carolina has had an asphalt pump track for over a year now...

www.wrhi.com/wp-content/uploads/photo-gallery/140812_BMX/DSC_5142.JPG
  • 1 0
 I knew the BMX supercross track is in Rock Hill, but haven't seen any video or pics of a pump track there until now.
  • 2 0
 I posted that this morning but got neg proped out for funking up some html....
  • 1 0
 ...but is there video of the Rock Hill pump track? Video of the New York one?
  • 9 0
 was a really nice experience and was a pleasure work with the Velosolutions Team, good job and I hope the people enjoy the pump track like I did when I test it!!
  • 7 0
 " If this city can put in a pump track like this, so can yours."

No, they can't/won't. We have ONE mountain bike area within 30 miles of where I am. To ask for a pump track would be pointless. My city wants to build skyscrapers (in a town of 70k people) not recreation areas. Every proposal to build any sort of bike path is shot down instantly.

I know it can be changed, but to get the support when you don't have a population to support changes sucks.
  • 8 0
 NYC Skyline/Bike POD incoming!
  • 3 0
 @mojomauer ....a limousine liberal perhaps?
Most of your proclaimed assumptions are false.
Had you ever actually come downstairs and seen for yourself, you'd know what you are talking about. You didn't come off with so much hate each time we spoke as you were parking on the street nearby, I guess since now you live 3000 miles away you can say whatever you want and bash everything you did nothing to help support? Nice guy.
  • 2 1
 Lol... I never had a car, wrong guy. Stop the bs. I rode the park once and that was it. It is a kid track. The corporate mtb park lol
  • 7 1
 A little haven of happiness in NYC. Is this a permanent fixture? Should be.
  • 4 1
 I used to live in NYC until last year.
This pump track is the follow up to the "MTB Park" the same people made a couple of years ago and took down after one year.
The space belongs to the building next to it. The Domino Sugar factory.
The factory, a beautiful old industrial complex, was purchased by some "self-made" (trust fund) millionaire... long story short, while the old building is being taken down (SHAME), the empty space next door can be used for the pump track...

The previous park was a failure. Always closed when it should have been open i.e. after work. Nobody used the park besides the various photos and videos they post. I lived across the street and could see it from my window.

BTW... the "Brooklyn Farm" wants to grow their vegetables there... FFS.. The soil is one of the most polluted in the USA. Even if they use some new soil, it will be contaminated after first rain (not going to waist time explaining).
And the old "Farm" was run by rats at night.

I would like to know if any public funds are used for this.
  • 1 3
 I don't think you really know what you are talking about, this park is going to be a permanent park, and it is not just to show off the land. The plan was always that the original pump track was temporary until they got the space across the street. Also you are very wrong about the fact that no one used the park, in fact a lot of people used it, everyone from kids to 60 year olds. The reason it was closed at 7/8 p.m. was because it was dark, and we didn't have any lights. Please do no just make horrible assumptions that it was a failure. The new park is a huge improvement over the old one, and is very professional. Do your research please.
  • 2 2
 I did my research everyday looking outside the window. The park was always empty. Unless having an average of 2 people x day was ok. The park was also only opened 2-3 months and abandoned the rest of the time. Spent all the money to install trees etc... and none for the lights? BTW in the summer it is nighttime at 9.

If this park will be permanent (really?) good. But I don't believe it. Or maybe permanent for 2 years you mean?

Since you may know, who is financing the park?

Is the pump track suitable for adults or it is kid-size like the old one?

No hard feelings here... I am just wondering why making such a fuss about this park but not making it easy and fun to use.
The old one was not embrace by neither bmx or mtb because it was suitable to 8 years old.
  • 1 2
 You may not have ridden the old park very much, because if you did, you would know that a pro could have fun just as well as an 8 year old, i'm no pro, but a couple came to the BBP and liked it. You had to be creative with your lines in order to have fun, and not just mosey around the track. It was actually open for a little more than a year. Lights are actually pretty expensive, and our only real budget after the park was initially built (I:E the trees) was from donations. Both this pumptrack and the old one is/was suitable for adults. This is a very professionally built pump track built by the best pumptrack builders in the world (I believe) and if you had actually set foot here you might know that. It also seems as though you didnt set your feet on the old bike parks clay that often either, for I was there a bunch of the days out of the year and dont really recall you, and also the person who runs the park only saw you around 10 times. If you had put in your time at the old track you would know it was more than suitable for adults.
  • 2 1
 Lol... You dont know me or Who i am, so stop the bs. No one used the Park. All the bmx kids just rode by. Only People i Saw were 10 yo with parents.
  • 8 1
 I love NY
  • 4 1
 Im so surprised that this is the first! Im my city (Bristol,UK) we have atleast 3 or 4 that are of great quality!

Stoked though, and hope its something that continues to grow in North America!
  • 2 2
 The one under the flyover is total shit
  • 2 0
 @jdotr It's not that this is the first pump track in America, but that it is the first Velosolutions asphalt pump track. Are you saying you have 3 Velosolution pump tracks in Bristol?
  • 2 0
 Might have to bring my bike next time I take a trip to Bristol then. Trying to discuss pumptrack ideas with the local council over here in Kent - fingers crossed
  • 2 0
 Jdotr, It's "first ASPHALT pump track in North America".
You didn't actually think that USA and Canada have no pumptracks lol.

Sals, it is now.
The Council doesn't maintain them after they're built.
Nice when they're new but they all turn to s*** eventually.
  • 1 0
 Yeah same, I'm still finding em in Nottingham!
  • 1 0
 A good few of the london tracks are good, but they need coating in tar! The gravel just washes away and leaves type 1 and 2 which is shit
  • 2 2
 You mean you didn't know? This actually is the first pump track in America!
  • 1 1
 @sals your talking about chelmsford bad pump track are you not?
  • 1 0
 The only reason this park exist is to advertise the Building complex. Or to make it a little less hideous since they are demolishing a beautiful and very old industrial complex. Nobody will use the park like the MTB park they did with similar procedure two years ago.
  • 1 0
 I have been to one which is close to danbury. It was a good track but was starting to show serious signs or wear and tear
  • 1 0
 Im from Bristol originally and from what I remember what it may have for pump tracks, it certainly lacks for any DH options.
  • 1 0
 Please tell me thats not a serious comment?!
  • 5 0
 Awesome location, wonder if there is an admission fee or if the number of riders is limited per day to prevent chaos.
  • 2 0
 "If this city can put in a pump track like this, so can yours."

Yes, definitely. NYC economy is 1.5 trillion dollars big. One and a half million million. The little village that could. Your town can do anything NYC can. Yes.
  • 1 0
 Hmm, we have had an asphalt pump track at the Novant BMX track here in Rock Hill, SC for about a year now..

cityofrockhill.com/departments/parks-recreation-tourism/parks-facilities/rock-hill-outdoor-center/novant-health-bmx
  • 1 0
 This is awesome! Now we just need to convince all the other cities in North America to build these! It's a shame that Hamilton turned down a plan to build a pump track all because some dog walkers thought they needed ALL the space available in Gage Park Madder
  • 2 0
 Would be interested about more info on how the asphalt track was actually built. Difficulties laying the asphalt? Soil compaction below it? What kind of lifespan would you expect from something like this?
  • 3 0
 Yeah, and drainage. Common guys, give us the details so we can nerd-out!
  • 1 0
 Damn civil engineers
  • 1 0
 neat, I've been down on that waterfront a bunch over the last decade and it could still use a lot of love - and preferably not all of the giant, crazy expensive, condo kind. Was kinda bummed when I visited last summer that the spot they used for the flea market hipster thing on weekends was gone.
  • 1 1
 Just by the way, the Brooklyn Bike park is NOT open, but will be opening relatively soon, follow the Brooklyn Bike park on Facebook or check out the Brooklyn Bike Park Website, brooklynbikepark.org for the official opening date andinfo about the park!! Come out and Shred some gnar!!
  • 1 0
 Is this near that famous skate spot with all the bricks where Mike Vallely ollied the fence that was supposed to stop skaters? I'm blanking on the name but I thought that spot was under a bridge
  • 1 0
 I think your thinking of brooklyn bridge banks. That is on the Manhattan side and isn't being used due to cop parking lots and bridge repairs.
  • 21 17
 Yeah, it's cool... but... you know...it's tarmac....
  • 20 1
 I think it makes perfect sense in a city like NY.
  • 9 10
 Riding on tarmac is like riding on a cheese grater. If you bail you lose ALL of your skin.
  • 3 0
 I live like 4 miles from there Smile gonna check it out this weekend!
  • 16 0
 There's no reason to run dirt tyres in New York so everyone there has street tyres, thats why it makes sense to use tarmac.
  • 25 0
 being tarmac also makes it accessible to skateboards, scooters, rollerskates. You may not like the idea but if you were to try and get some public funding to build one then being multi use is going to be a big help than saying mountain bikes only
  • 14 0
 Don't forget that little maintenance is needed. I agree about "No dig no ride" but in the middle of a big town, bringing dirt isn't so easy and there will certainly be huge attendance. So it perfectly makes sens.
  • 10 5
 i volunteered at the original brooklyn bike park that was just across the street and made of dirt. it was fine, we loved maintaining the track, and we were teaching kids how to properly dig and maintain dirt pump tracks. All that is gone now. Plus there are a million skate plazas in NYC for scooters and skateboards yet half don't allow bikes. In person the track isn't very big and will get overcrowded very quickly. The dirt pump track last year was plenty busy to the point i could only ride there at dusk just before they closed. I've ridden the new track and its awesome, its insanely fast but i'm tired of people saying maintaining dirt is a big deal when you should enjoy working with dirt and maintaining it, a whole craft of dirt jumping is lost with the asphalt.
  • 1 0
 love shovel slapping some dirt.
  • 3 0
 That is so awesome, can't believe you've built this in NY!!! UNBELIEVABLE COOL
  • 3 0
 Thank god for the first picture. Now, when I ever go to NY, I will be perfectly capable of localising this thing...
  • 4 1
 I liked the 1st pic Smile there must be so many locals who waited this day
  • 2 0
 The "great park", formerly known as el toro marine base (oc/ca) sure could use one!
  • 2 0
 This is great, the world needs more of these!
  • 2 1
 Henderson Nevada has had an asphalt pump track for more than a year now, I think it's called Arroyo!
  • 1 0
 There is a paved pumptrack in bc was completed a long time ago by alpine bike parks
  • 2 0
 paradise for bicycle NY=)
  • 2 0
 Bring one to Boston, please!
  • 4 1
 no skaters
  • 3 0
 so uplifting. nice
  • 2 0
 That last Pic, its like a rose between a bunch o thorns!
  • 1 0
 I would love one, but I don't want to put up with little kids taking over it when I just wanna do some pumps
  • 1 0
 considering its waterfront location i can't help but think its a temporary thing,either way still cool
  • 2 0
 From Zurich to NYC with love.
  • 1 0
 As if I needed ANOTHER excuse to go back to NYC for a visit. This is amazing!
  • 2 0
 Dreams to come true. This is awesome.
  • 1 0
 Could use a bit of concrete like this at Colonnade Park in Seattle. Just make the whole thing concrete.
  • 1 0
 Welcome to northwest Arkansas and southwest Missouri were we already have those just in concrete!
  • 2 0
 Nice Big Grin DDDD
  • 2 0
 pasamonte!
  • 1 0
 = D
  • 1 0
 Any of these in Cheshire?!?
  • 2 0
 Boston next!!
  • 1 0
 we have had one in vegas for (2) years
  • 1 0
 That's very cool.....but it's NOT the 1st NOR only!
  • 2 0
 Great Job!!!
  • 2 0
 awesome!!! great job!!!
  • 1 0
 Now if only we could get the ball rolling in Tübingen.
  • 1 0
 perfect for kids on run bikes!
  • 2 1
 Every things cool until u crash and have a concrete sandwich
  • 1 0
 I would truly hate to weedwack that grass
  • 1 0
 so stocked.... finally in NYC, cant wait to check it out
  • 1 0
 So Peanut butter and jealous...
  • 1 0
 With big enough features to superman Impressive.
  • 2 0
 Crankworx NYC?
  • 1 0
 I so want one of these for my hometown! Sososososo much!
  • 1 0
 Is not already open.
  • 1 0
 this is rad!
  • 1 1
 Powell River got a concrete one back in March.
  • 2 1
 nnnnnnice
  • 1 3
 Thats all north shore trails need. To be super flowy. And low maintenance. Newbies will love it! Lots of bikes sold no skills needed.
  • 1 0
 Perfection
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