Cycle Sports Facilities - Design Guide - Facilities Guidance Note
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Cycling 06:10:03 17:58 Page i
Facilities
Guidance Note
Cycle Sports Facilities – Design Guide
Cycling 06:10:03 17:58 Page ii
Cycling Sports Facilities
Contents
Introduction 1
Cycle racing tracks and velodromes 2
Closed road racing circuits 18
BMX race tracks 22
Cycle speedway tracks 31
Mountain bike courses and trails 36
Cyclo-cross circuits 39
Grass tracks 45
Road racing and time trials 47
School facilities 48
Multi-use facilities 51
Cycle sport for disabled people 56
Appendix A – Health and safety 57
Authors 62
Useful addresses 63
References 64
This guidance is supported by:
Acknowledgements
Sport England and British Cycling would like to thank the following
contributors to this design guide:
Ron Webb of R V Webb Consultants for the section Cycle Racing Tracks
and Velodromes
Bob Howden and Don Wiseman for their contributions to Closed Road
Racing Circuits
Peter Elmy and Keith Brookes of Colchester Stars Cycle Speedway
Nick Day of Colchester Borough Council and David Hemsley for their
contributions to Cycle Speedway Tracks
Andy Ballentyne and Mark Burchett for their contributions to Grass Tracks
Ron Akass for his contribution to Health and Safety
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Cycling Sports Facilities
Introduction The purpose of this guidance is to provide
an introduction to the design and planning
This design guide covers the design and requirements for each type of facility, however it
planning of facilities for all the cycling is not a comprehensive manual of construction
disciplines embraced by British Cycling. The specifications. Any individual or organisation
facilities cater for all levels of participation and seeking to develop any of the facilities included
include the following: in this guidance will need to employ specialists
with experience in the design and construction
● cycle racing tracks and velodromes
of cycling facilities.
● closed road racing circuits
If you are considering the provision of a new
● BMX race tracks cycling facility, you are advised to consult the
● cycle speedway tracks facility officer at British Cycling at the earliest
stage for advice on the type of facility required.
● mountain bike courses and trails You should also hold early consultations with
● cyclo-cross circuits the appropriate regional office of Sport England
(see Useful Addresses).
● grass tracks
This design guide complements the earlier
● road racing and time trials
Facilities Strategy for Cycle Sport in England
● school facilities produced in 1999 by the then British Cycling
● multi-use facilities Federation (BCF) and Sport England. The
strategy aims to provide a comprehensive
● cycle sport for disabled people. framework for the development of facilities for
While there will always be a need for access cycling in England at national, regional and
to roads and rights of way, purpose-built local levels. The strategy is concerned with
facilities will be of increasing importance in ensuring that the right facilities are provided in
the development of cycling. the right place at the right time.
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Cycling Sports Facilities
Cycle racing tracks and velodromes Cycling on the best specification for their
particular area. The project in your area could
The provision of a new track, or the refurbishment be an important part of the overall facilities
of an existing one, will normally be motivated by scheme being developed by Sport England.
local cycle racing clubs intent on furthering
This document is intended as a guide for
the standards of the sport and the development
local authorities when initially considering the
of youth talent towards na tional and
construction or refurbishment of a cycle track.
international competition.
The types of track and the variation of sizes are
A purpose-built track can also benefit user addressed on the following pages.
groups not currently involved in organised cycling.
A project to enable schools to adopt track New tracks
cycling as an optional sport would involve county ● Cycle tracks can be built indoors or outdoors
or borough education departments, which could in a variety of materials and in different
be of value to the community and augur well for sizes.
the future of the venue.
● New tracks are now constructed based on
Youth and adult leisure schemes are possible the metric distance of cycling events:
added activities. Persuading leisure cyclists to 250m track is 4 laps = 1km
exchange public roads for a dedicated cycling
venue is a forward step. Riding a bicycle on a 333.333m track is 3 laps = 1km
public byway is an intimidating experience and 500m track is 2 laps = 1km
the hardy few that persist are only a small ● Smaller tracks are used for indoor training
percentage of the number of people in the UK facilities and in multi-purpose stadiums to
who own a bicycle. stage annual spectacular professional Six-
Therefore, when deciding on a track building Day Race promotions.
project, it may be necessary to consider not ● The popular sizes for small tracks are
only the specification of the cycle racing track, 166.666m (6 laps = 1km) and 200m (5 laps =
but other community leisure pursuits that could 1km). For world championships and
be incorporated in the scheme. Cycle tracks Olympic Games, the smallest acceptable
come in several sizes and there is flexibility to track is 250m. At national cycling centres
include local needs within the central arena where elite representative teams are
area. Local authorities should consult British trained, tracks should ideally be 250m.
Young track cyclists – Herne Hill, London
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Existing tracks A local authority may need to make a decision
on the refurbishment of an existing track. The
There are many 400m tracks in existence
track may be situated in an area that is no
around the world and quarter-mile tracks, which
longer ideal for its intended use, or the land may
were once an accepted standard, can be found
have more important considerations for town
in the UK. Such tracks originate from times and country planning. In other cases, the
when sport was less concerned with world refurbishment of the existing track may require
standards and town councils tended to build a complex and expensive engineering solutions.
cycle track around a football pitch. In such situations it may be a preferred option
Changing attitudes have seen sports develop a to consult with cycle clubs and British Cycling
more elitist approach to their needs. We also with a view to building a new track of modern
now accept that certain sports are not suitable design on another site.
to share venues. However, British Cycling A local authority may consider that an existing
appreciates that some quarter-mile – and larger cycling facility has not been well used in recent
tracks – can still play an important role in the times due to the condition of the venue and the
development of the sport’s grassroots and amenities. Ongoing dialogue between the
can cater for the increase in leisure cycling. authority and user groups is essential. It is in
Where certain older tracks are marked for the interests of the authority that the venue is
redevelopment some changes to the geometry used more often and it is in the cycling clubs’
in order to conform to metric distances might interests to attract more leisure activities to the
suit the identified user groups. track. Leisure cyclists may, in time, become
active club cyclists.
The National Cycling Centre, Manchester
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Indoor tracks To gain a perspective of the cost of building a
velodrome such as the National Cycling Centre
Velodromes, such as the Manchester National
or the Sydney Olympic Velodrome, it is sobering
Cycling Centre, house a track built with a timber
to note that the cost of the 250m timber cycle
surface decking, usually Siberian pine, supported
track – the visual centrepiece of the stadium – can
by a timber understructure. Indoor tracks built to
be less than 2% of the total cost of the facility.
host a world championship will be either 250m
or 333.333m. It is now considered the norm to A 333.333m track requires a much larger
build 250m tracks. building footprint and span. To achieve this, the
The popularity of the 250m track stems from overall volume of the building increases out of
the fact that racing on it is more spectacular all proportion to the increase in the size of the
than on the larger 333.333m track. The design track. Funding a velodrome with a 333.333m
offers better racing lines for cyclists, and track is prohibitive.
spectators feel they are closer to the action on The National Cycling Centre is a showcase for
the smaller size track. international cycling events in Britain. It is
The 250m track is the better of the two options unlikely that another velodrome of this size and
to build indoors. The overriding advantage of cost will be built again in the UK unless a British
the smaller track is the lower cost of the building city is in a position to bid for an Olympic Games.
to house it and the spectator accommodation. There is, however, a need for several indoor
The velodrome building to house a 250m track cycle tracks to be built as training facilities. The
will require a free span structure of 120m. The price of these venues can be kept to a minimum
height of the building will preclude most with a cost-effective building shell providing a
urban sites. small volume of spectator/educational trackside
The Superdome, Adelaide
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Calshot Activities Centre, Hampshire
seating for up to 500 persons. Simple, proven timber track is 142.857m or 7 laps = 1km. The
building designs are available. For the national track is part of Hampshire County Council’s
elite training plan, a 250m track is desirable. educational and leisure facility, providing sports
facilities for up to 200 school children per week
Where space is limited or a high-profile building
plus evening and weekend adult cycling.
is unacceptable to local planning authorities,
thereby jeopardising a project in an area of A disused airfield hangar or similar shell may be
stated importance to British Cycling, then a suitable for a training/competition track of 166.666m.
200m track is a good compromise for general
Lighting
training and racing. The geometry of the design
An ideal solution for both lighting and PA
can be developed to accommodate the desired
systems is a rectangular catwalk suspended
training programme without any great adjustment
to the cyclist’s orientation. from the roof structure. Of simple box design
with handrails at 1200mm and mesh sides, the
In the UK climate, indoor tracks are needed for catwalk should follow the length of the track
the training of elite national cyclists, but they straights, directly over the inner arena edge of
are also essential to provide all-year-round the safety zone, this being about 3.5m from the
activity. Schools will be encouraged to place track edge. The short sides of the rectangular
track cycling on the list of recognised school catwalk will then be well inside the semi-circular
sports, but year-round availability of the venue ends of the arena. Though these sides are
must be guaranteed. distanced from the track edge of the curves, the
Tracks can be smaller and fill an important role lighting value on the track surface will be similar
in activity centres. At the Calshot Activities to that above the straights due to the banking of
Centre in Hampshire, a track is situated in the the curves reflecting light and by directional
restricted area of half an aircraft hangar. The adjustment of the lamps.
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Indoor track construction, Sydney Olympic track
Construction detail, National Cycling Centre, Manchester
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The lights are directed at the blue track line, at
midway on the width of the track surface. The
lights should be positioned about 8–10m apart
to ensure an even spread of the light value on
the track. The direction of light fittings and
speakers can be fine tuned and repositioned for
various arena spor ts and functions by one
person, even during track use.
This structure is a far better solution than an
oval ring of lights above the track, which will
require the use of a cherry-picker vehicle to
change a light fitting.
Surface light values for an indoor track are 300
lux for training or general activity and 600 lux for
racing events. A cut-in emergency lighting
pattern, battery powered, of 150 lux is a Semi-covered track, Cottbus, Germany
necessity. Should television lighting be required,
extra lighting can be added to the catwalk to
bring the surface light value to 1200 lux. The cost of the engineering solution. Structures are
goal is to illuminate the track for the cyclists cantilevered or have building trusses supported
without throwing shadows, a dangerous by masts in the central arena. Experience has
distraction when riders are in bunched races. shown that in most cases it would have been
better to go the whole way and roof the entire
The catwalk should be about 12–14m above the stadium. If a decision to roof the central
arena floor. opening is made at a later date the engineers
Semi-roofed tracks may be compromised by the original design.
Tracks can be built with a roof that extends over Despite the extra funding required, a complete
the spectator accommodation and at least 5m roof cover offers the valuable bonus of a usable
past the inner perimeter of the track safety central arena area and the venue becomes a
zone. These velodromes afford protection from multi-purpose stadium.
normal rainy weather and could possibly be Lighting
used for all-year training and a schools activity Light fittings and PA speakers would be
programme. positioned under the cantilevered roof above
In some countries existing concrete tracks have the track safety zone. Lighting in the curves
been semi-covered to ensure regular cycling would not be as intense as the value over the
use. If a semi-covered stadium were built with straights, thereby avoiding pools of light.
the track made of timber, the track surface
Outdoor tracks
would need to be hardwood.
In order to maintain TV coverage in all weather
The stadium is cer tainly still open to the
conditions the Union Cycliste Internationale
elements. Wind-driven rain may reach parts of
(UCI), the controlling body of world cycling,
the inner track surface and, in winter, extreme
prefers world championships to be allocated to
cold may deter cyclists from serious training.
bidders with covered velodromes. If a track
If you have limited funding, a semi-covered world championship is awarded to an outdoor
velodrome is a compromise solution. The track in the future, it will surely be in sunny
argument against semi-covered tracks is the climes.
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Outdoor tracks may be used for other important
events, such as World Cup, Grand Prix and
junior world championships. The minimum size
of 250m still applies though there is no maximum
size for an outdoor track. The maximum in
practical terms is 500m.
An advantage of an outdoor cycling stadium
is that after the track, terracing and basic
amenities are in place, further infrastructure
may progress as funding becomes available.
Should an important event be planned in the
early days of the stadium, temporary seating
and equipment storage can be hired for the
promotion. Landscaping can also be developed
in the long-term plan. There are not the A completed timber track Wanganui, New Zealand
demands on an outdoor cycling facility to be an
instant reality. On the other hand, an indoor
Timber tracks
facility must be funded and complete when the
doors open. These tracks are very appealing to racing
cyclists as the timber surface produces very
Building materials
fast racing speeds. The timber profiles of the
Three types of cycle track are built outdoors: prefabricated understructure ensure that the
shape of the finished track is true. If the original
● timber
computer-aided design is precise, then the
● concrete finished track will be perfect.
● asphalt. However, an outdoor timber track does have
distinct disadvantages:
● A timber track using proven suitable wood
will have surface timber of either afzelia
from West Africa or merbau from Borneo or
the Malaysian peninsula. Afzelia has been
used on many tracks and is a very dense
timber resistant to moisture absorption.
Afzelia has the disadvantage of varying
grain lines, which can result in a length of
lath containing both long and short grain. In
such cases the wood is prone to splitting,
with the lath breaking at the short grain.
Merbau is of similar weight and density to
afzelia. The laths are far more likely to have
continuous long grain. Merbau is easier to
work with, easier to obtain and less
expensive than afzelia.
● Building a hardwood track is hard work. The
wood must be drilled before nailing and the
timber laths are difficult to bend and twist to
Constructing timber track Taichung, Taiwan follow the form of the track transitions.
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Athens Olympic track – will be roofed for the 2004 Games
● The managers of venues with hardwood A concrete track will be relatively maintenance-
timber tracks will find them expensive to free and should have a lifespan of many years.
maintain and in constant need of repairs to Many concrete tracks around the world have
surface defects. Local authorities been in constant use for 50 years or more.
considering requests to construct outdoor
In the past, many building companies have been
timber tracks would be wise to inspect an
reluctant to undertake laying concrete angles
existing venue that has been in use for five
up to 45º in the curves of a 250m track or 38º
years or more and to obtain annual
for a 333.333m track. It is, after all, an unusual
maintenance costs.
contract to be offered.
● Outdoor timber tracks have an outstanding
appearance when in good condition and The concrete surface is constructed by laying
produce record times, but are not cost- slabs in a ‘hit and miss’ pattern around the
effective in the long term. shape of the track. A practical slab size is
8x8m. The screed cannot be finished from top
Concrete tracks to bottom of the bay. The curved shape of the
In Britain, concrete is a common locally sourced bays demands screeding horizontally. All joints
building material, and its qualities and uses are are vertically cut and there are no longitudinal
stock-in-trade to British civil engineers. It is production joins. The angle of the track in the
logical that, given specialist track design advice, banked curves restricts the concrete mix
local construction companies employing specification to 40mm slump. This mix cannot
experienced workers can build a cycle track. be easily pumped. Dumping, vibrating, levelling
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1 Compacted and levelled 2 Low slump concrete
3 Slab poured, tamped, vibrated and finished in 4 Horizontal screed and finish
one continuous operation
5 Alternative bay construction 6 Surface finished and fence posts positioned
Concrete track: Stages of construction
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and finishing of the 8m-wide bay must be The task is to illuminate with an even spread
completed in one pour. To facilitate the trowel over the 7m-wide surface of the track without
finishing of the slab, the workers are supported definite pools of light.
on a movable cradle across the track width.
The materials for the lighting system are readily
Tolerance on the finished slab is +/- 3mm.
available. Masts, lamps and cables can be
A concrete surface is suitable for cycling but standard street lighting fittings. The height of
does absorb rainwater, thus preventing use until the masts should be about 6m. Cables for the
some time after the rain has stopped. If funding lights can be run under the concrete path
is available, a 7mm topping of an epoxy-resin around the outer perimeter fence.
mix containing ver y small a g g rega te is
recommended. The material is trowelled onto Asphalt tracks
the finished concrete. This surface is impervious Asphalt surfaces are not recommended for
to water, allowing racing or training to commence banked tracks of 250m or 333.333m and
immediately after rain has stopped. The surface authorities building a new, larger track should
is also super-fast. Several record-breaking consider other options.
tracks in Europe have this surface and the
Britain has many asphalt tracks built around a
Herne Hill track in London is an example.
football pitch or athletics track. These very
The quality and success of the finished track large, flat tracks of 450 or 500 yards have
will depend on the standard of the concrete provided British cyclists with great service for
works and, in par ticular, the skill of the generations. It is important that the more valued
tradespeople doing the final finishing work. The of these are refurbished and maintained in
required tolerances are essential for a good serviceable condition. It is appreciated that not
track. The building work will require constant all areas need or wish to build a modern track
quality control at all stages. for national-level competition.
Where construction budgets are restricted, Renewing asphalt on a very large, flat track
project engineers may consider the advantages does not present difficulties. Continuous rolling
offered by fibre-reinforced concrete. The savings of new asphalt with a heavy road roller will –
in steel reinforcing mesh, transportation and the
labour content of the preparation present a
strong argument for this material. The strength
of the fibre concrete lends itself to the twisting
shape of the slab in the transitions of a banked
track. Care must be taken, however, that the
finished surface is ‘hairless’.
Lighting
An oval pattern of masts around the outer
perimeter is a proven and cost-effective way to
illuminate the surface of a cycle track. The
masts should be about 10m apart and, for
safety reasons, positioned approximately 1m
away from the track fence. An arm of about
1.5m in length reaches to just past the track
fence. Two lamps can be fixed to the end of the
arm at angles to enhance the spread of light.
The even spread on the surface is achieved by
the illumination from one lamp overlapping the Club cyclists in action on the asphalt Harvey
light from the lamp on the neighbouring mast. Hadden Track at Nottingham
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providing there is no serious damage to the tracks. The effect can never be the same as
base foundation – bring the track back to its heavy rolling.
original condition.
A lack of heavy rolling is probably a major
Asphalt is an ideal material for road surfaces cause of surfaces bulging or splitting. Frost
but demands continuous kneading to ensure damage is an added hazard with asphalt.
flexibility and durability. On a roadway, daily
Where a large track is well used and maintained
traffic provides the kneading process. Cycle
and of value to the community, refurbishment is
racing tyres, as narrow as 20mm and pumped
a sound idea. However, for those tracks where
to 120psi, cannot simulate this effect
the cur ves are banked and unsuccessful
Banked cycle tracks are not the ideal attempts have already been made to resurface
environment for slow, heavy road rollers. On a the track, it is probably advisable to consider a
banking angle of just 15º they would hardly concrete surface. If the venue has been in
wind up, even rocket assisted, to the centrifugal place for many years and the basic foundation
force necessary to maintain friction and even is well settled and compact, there may be no
distribution of weight. It is logical that the full need to demolish the old track. A bed of lean-
weight of the machine will gravitate towards the mix concrete to a reasonable depth can be
inside edge of the rollers. Heavy rolling to compacted onto the old track, before constructing
compact the asphalt is not possible. On some the concrete slabs over the lean-mix. The
existing tracks, it is probable that the job was redesign could also develop more suitable
done using light rollers or even by teams of geometry and the opportunity to reshape the
workers pulling rollers up and down the banked bankings in the curves.
The asphalt track at Reading is a valuable asset for the grass roots of the sport
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Completing the track project
Track fence
A track used for the highest standard of
competition must have a fully enclosed perimeter
fence 750mm high. A continuous steel safety
rail on brackets will be fixed 250mm above the
fence. The total height of 1m is measured from
the top of the track surface at the fence. This
measurement will be constant around the full
circumference of the track. This height is
considered practical to help prevent a cyclist
who crashes into the fence from toppling over it. Concrete safety fence, Cardiff
On the public side of the fence the concourse
will be slightly lower than the level of the top
of the track surface to conform to height
requirements for a standing person behind a
barrier. This can be 1100mm but may be higher
for some local authorities. A well-designed
stadium would provide terracing to accommodate
seated spectators. A recommended step for the
terraces is 500mm and these steps rise as the
transitions of the cycle track rise. The depth of
the terrace ‘going’ would be 800–1000mm,
according to the number of seats planned and
the type of seating used.
On a track for regional events, school groups
and leisure activities, a cheaper alternative is a
fence clad with tongue and groove timber Enclosed timber fence and track lines at Herne Hill,
London
boarding on the trackside only, with a capping
and a supported steel rail.
On a track with no greater ambition than to
provide for cycle clubs and local community
activities, the fence could be a tubular steel
frame with plastic-covered fine mesh chainlink
fencing. It is advisable to fabricate a second
continuous rail at the top of the chainlink fence
without any obstructions that might injure
hands or arms. Along the bottom of the fence,
trackside, there must be a well-designed and
fitted kickboard to a height of at least 250mm.
Safety run-off
Where track surface and the slow run meet at
the bottom of the track, a curved run-off must
join the two different angles. The width of this
strip on a concrete track should be 1m. This Mesh covered fence at Gosling Stadium, Welwyn
Garden City
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strip must be poured and finished at the same or asphalt tracks, storage should be a detail
time as the main slab with no horizontal within the planning. A cost-effective idea for
construction joint. outdoor stadiums is the use of steel shipping
containers bought from the trade disposal market
Safety zone
and painted to blend with the background.
There should be a sealed zone, minimum 3.5m
wide, around the inside of the track. This zone Car parking
is a safe riding area for cyclists, and a path Local planning authorities have specific car parking
where school pupils, or other first-time cyclists, standards and these vary between authorities.
can learn the skills of riding a cycle with fixed
A regional facility is likely to require spaces for
wheel gearing. If the central arena is grass, this
at least 50 cars while a stadium of national
buffer safety zone will ensure that use of the
importance will need in excess of 100. Parking
track is not restricted in wet weather by muddy
and turning space for coaches will also be
conditions in the central area.
required. Consideration should also be given to
Perimeter concourse the occasional need for overflow car parking for
A sealed path around the top of the track special events. More details can be found in the
perimeter, outside the track fence, should be a Guidance Note Car Park and Landscape Design
minimum of 1.5m wide and follow the contours (see References section).
of the track profile. This path will provide a
Track markings
walkway for spectators and prevent rainwater
UCI regulations for marking tracks used for
filtering under the track surface. For a concrete
track, the strip is an essential building aid during international competition
the construction of the concrete track slabs. Track records are only recognised if all UCI
Amenities
regulations for record attempts are complied
with, including those for track markings as detailed
Cycling stadiums follow the normal guidelines
in Table 1.
for sport and leisure facilities. A suggestion is
offered here that changing, lockers, showers Paint: Best quality emulsion paint. Do not use
and toilets should be planned in module form. If oil-based paint.
units are designed for up to 10 persons, the
Colours: Common sense will prevail on asphalt
number of units can reflect the forecast volume
or dark grey hardwood tracks. In these cases it
of competitors using the stadium. The advantage
is suggested that white replaces black, yellow
of the modular format is that the number of
replaces red and light blue is used instead of
units open for use can change to meet male/
mid-blue.
female needs on each occasion. During training
sessions, units that are not required can be Track area required
locked. This imposed discipline reduces cleaning Figure 1 on page 16 illustrates a typical cross-
duties. Two rooms should be planned for section for a concrete track. Figure 2 on page 17
massage and a limited gymnasium would be shows the shape and the area required for a
good for cyclists, and a possible attraction for typical outdoor concrete track with a circumference
non-cyclist users of the facility. of 333.333m.
Bicycle storage This size track, 3 laps = 1km, is recommended
Storage space will be required. If cycles are to as a good solution to the need for general
be left at the stadium by club cyclists, the cycling activities from beginner to elite level,
storage must be secure. If the track is of timber and provides a central arena area to accommodate
construction, space can be allocated under the a wide variety of sports. This venue would be
curves of the track, using ply sheeting to cover multi-purpose.
the underside of the track trusses. For concrete
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Track marking Colour Position
Setting out line The base line used during track construction
Track run-off zone Light blue Area below setting out line.
Outdoors: width 1m
Data line Black 200mm above the setting out line
Sprinter line Red 900mm above the setting out line
Stayer line Mid-blue 2500mm above the setting out line
All Black, red and blue Black, red and blue lines are 50mm wide and
painted on the full circumference of the track.
The exact distance to measure track lines from
the setting out line is:
• to the bottom edge of the black line
• to the top edge of the red line
• to the top edge of the mid-blue line.
Finish line Background: white 7m or the full track width
panel 7mx720mm
Centre line Black Width: 40mm
200m line Black Width:40mm
7m or full width of the track vertical from the
200m measurement
Pursuit lines 3.5m vertical from mid-point of the straights on
the track axis; two lines
Distance marks Black 10m marks measured along the bottom of the
data line:
Width: 30mm centred on each 10m mark
Length: 200mm (joining the black line to the blue
safety run-off zone)
Distance marks Black 5m marks measured along the bottom of the
data line:
Form: a black square 30x30mm centred on
each 5m mark
Track numbers Black Position: to the right side of each 10m mark line
Height: commercially available stencils of
180mm or 150mm
Table 1 UCI regulations for international level track markings
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Figure 1 Section through track
Herne Hill Stadium, London
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Concourse circumference 436m
Track circumference 333.333m
Track perimeter 373.5m
Track width 7m
Highest angle 28º
Lowest angle 5.5º
Figure 2 Velodrome cycle track
The ground area required to build a track only, A 400m track should only be contemplated
with a concourse 5m wide around the track but where there is a requirement for a grass central
not including seating or amenities, would be: area for hockey or football.
Where the need is to refurbish an existing
Track (m) Length (m) Width (m)
quarter-mile track, consultation should take
250 116 78 place to adjust the geometry to the dimensions
333.333 138 97 of a 400m track.
400 181 104 Author of section on velodromes:
© Ron Webb – R V Webb Consultants
Table 2 Track dimensions (see Useful Contacts)
A 250m track would be ideal for dedicated
cycling use with a reduced central arena area
capable of accommodating a variety of sports.
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Cycling Sports Facilities
Closed road racing circuits
Closed road racing circuits serve two main
functions, both of which are complementary to
the development of international road racing:
● a means of training by competition in
surroundings not affected by other road
users – this is particularly important for
under-16s whose road racing is confined to
closed circuits
● a form of road racing that will attract the
public, thus making it a spectator sport.
In many areas, circuits already exist in parks
and recreation grounds or could easily be
extended to provide a completed circuit. For A site investigation process should be undertaken
new recreation complexes, consideration should by a specialist company to determine the following:
be given at the design stage to the construction
● presence or otherwise of hazardous
of access roads so that these complexes can
materials
be used for closed road circuits.
● evidence of insufficient compaction in fill
Layout and dimensions materials
Small circuits at multi-use sites should be at least ● water table level and ability to drain naturally
0.5km in circumference. These are suitable for ● allowable ground-bearing capacity to enable
introducing newcomers to cycling and for basic design of road construction.
training (Stage 1 activities in British Cycling’s
Progression Pathway). Road design
Closed road circuits of at least 1km circumference In all probability the circuit will only be used by
will be suitable for most local and regional level cycles, race vehicles, emergency vehicles and
activity, although 3–5km circuits are necessary those vehicles associated with site maintenance.
for regional and national competitions. A circuit Failures in paving layers tend to stem from
width of 6–8m is recommended. If the nature of unplanned use by vehicles that were not
the circuit restricts the width, a minimum width originally intended to be there. Take such use
of 5m will be acceptable. The finish area width into account at the design stage if it cannot be
must be 7–8m. Closed road circuits will be used prevented with physical barriers.
for races similar to those on open roads and
The best design solution incorporates a standard
should therefore simulate this if possible with
250x125mm kerb laid on its side to form the
hills and bends.
road edge. The paved edge should be laid with
Site investigation a surface falling towards the verge, assuming
the verge is grassed. The inclusion of a positive
The opportunity to develop a closed road circuit
drainage system such as plastic pipe drains at
will often arise as par t of a regeneration
the edge of the circuit will assist in dispersing
programme, therefore the chosen site may well
surface water. This type of approach was used
be classed as ‘brownfield’ with formation levels
for the construction of the circuits at Eastway
consisting of significant measures of landfill
and Hillingdon.
material. It is essential that the characteristics
of the site be investigated to determine suitability A cheaper solution would exclude the road
for use and the optimum construction methods. kerbs and positive drainage. However, this could
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Cycling Sports Facilities
lead to roads that deteriorate quickly and need for the removal of up to 15000m3 of spoil,
frequent edge maintenance. equal to 750 full lorry loads. In addition to the
impact on the neighbourhood of heavy traffic
If the ground is likely to drain poorly, it will be
movements, this can also be a costly factor,
necessary to consider a verge drainage solution,
particularly with the increasing burden of landfill
and a number are available. In the French drain
tax. Where possible, therefore, consideration
method, a trench fill consisting of single-size
should be given to on-site disposal in the form
shingle/gravel wrapped with a geo-textile will
of earth screening bunds; these can also be
provide a cost-effective solution where the
used to form contours for off-road activities. At
water table permits percolation. Alternatively,
Hillingdon, moving earth around the site formed
proprietary wick drain systems are available
the contours of the circuit. However, care needs
that require minimum excavation.
to be taken to ensure proper consolidation and
Remember that the verge should be firm drainage and that bunds are not positioned too
enough to support narrow tyres. Where gravel close to the road circuit, as the height of the
fills are used they should be capped with a bund could influence the local water table by
stable material. creating a pressure head.
Consideration can also be given to the use of If additional fill is required, it may be possible to
porous asphalt paving that will reduce the secure permission for controlled tipping. The
volume of surface water run-off and help to contours of the final circuit at Eastway were
prevent standing water. However, such paving formed in this way and the charges levied paid
layers can be costly to lay and care will be for the road construction.
needed to ensure that the surface does not
The site investigation will highlight the ground-
become contaminated with pore-sealing dirt,
bearing capability of the underlying soils and
particularly where used in conjunction with off-
suggest a suitable sub-base depth. Before
road competition.
commencing the sub-base it is advisable to
At locations where the circuit will meet other consider the use of a geo-textile membrane
types of paving, the edge should be finished over the excavated surface. As the construction
with a 150x150mm pre-cast concrete ‘square’ operation will be ‘linear’, the sub-base will be
channel. This should be laid to finish flush with required to accept the load of all delivery
both paving layers. vehicles and laying equipment. The membrane
will therefore help to prevent the sub-base
Road construction
being pumped into the underlying layer during
A major factor to consider is the initial its loading, avoiding contamination of the stone
excavation. The road in a typical circuit may call and consequent costly wastage.
Figure 3 Cross-section through closed circuit cycle track
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Cycling Sports Facilities
The sub-base will lie within 450mm of the Good practice
finished level; this is determined as the maximum
Preston Sports Arena – University of Central
range of frost penetration. Care should be
Lancashire
taken, therefore, to ensure that the sub-base
The University of Central Lancashire has
material is not susceptible to frost damage. This
developed a 60-acre site to provide a new, high-
can be achieved by choosing a specification
quality outdoor multi-sports complex on land
for highways clause 803 type 1 granular sub-
acquired for the purpose by the university. A
base. With modern screening techniques this
central feature of the development is a 1.7kmx6m
specification is increasingly being met from
wide, tarmac-surfaced closed road circuit that
recycled cr ushed concrete, a cheaper and
runs around the perimeter of the facilities.
more sustainable solution, par ticularly if
Other facilities include an athletics track, hard
the ‘brownfield’ site of fers the possibility
court sports area, grass pitches and a synthetic
of obtaining the material locally, perhaps
turf pitch. The complex has been built at a cost
even from the site itself.
of £12,272,081 with the aid of an award of
For low traffic use the sub-base depth will £7,976,853 from the Sport England Lottery
normally be a minimum of 200mm, unless the Fund. All the facilities are available for joint use
site investigation report identifies underlying by community and university sports organisations.
weak ground, in which case the depth should
The provision of an off-road cycle track was
be increased.
recognised in the Cycling Development Plan
The choice of paving material should take into produced jointly by all key partners. Cycling is a
consideration factors such as rolling resistance, well-established road-based sport in the area
‘fall-friendly’ texture and potential to skid. and the lack of an off-road facility that would
Economy will also be a major factor but this provide a safe environment for young people
should not be at the expense of performance. It was identified as a priority. The facility is
is invariably much easier to incorporate the immediately adjacent to the canal towpath and
capital costs of a durable material into a project links to the future Sustrans cycle route. The
than it is to fund the repair or replacement costs facility also links to a series of cycle ways
at a later date. developed by Preston Borough Council through
A typical specification for the circuit-paving layer the town.
with nominal vehicle use can be identified as: This project demonstrates that it is relatively
Road base: dense base macadam to BS4987 easy to incorporate a cycle facility into a multi-
using 40mm thick coarse aggregate, average sports facility. Careful planning and programming
thickness 75mm. are essential when planning a multi-sports
facility to ensure minimal conflicts of interest
Base course: dense base macadam to BS 4987 between different sports.
using 28mm thick coarse aggregate, average
thickness 50mm.
Wearing course: hot rolled asphalt (HRA)
to BS 594 with 55% of l4mm thick coarse
aggregate; average thickness 30mm; overall
thickness 155mm.
Where surface markings are incorporated,
consideration should be given to the potential
for slip in wet conditions. The recommendation
is to use a low-build chlorinated rubber marking
paint rather than thermoplastic markings.
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Cycling circuit
Figure 4 Closed road cycle circuit at Preston Sports Arena
Aerial view of Preston Sports Arena
21Cycling 06:10:03 18:01 Page 22
Cycling Sports Facilities
BMX race tracks Track design
Starting area
BMX race tracks must adhere to the minimum
requirements of British Cycling and the Union The starting area is one of the main focal points
Cycliste Internationale and be of a high enough on a track. A paddock area should be sited
standard to host a regional event. Such race behind the start hill to allow racers to come on
tracks have a separate start and finish and are to the star t gate in an efficient and orderly
constructed with various corners and jumps manner. It must be large enough to allow
that are designed to be challenging while taking competitors to line up before their race. The
account of riders’ safety. access to the start hill should incorporate a
shallow incline so that riders can push their
The star t hill, as the name suggests, is a bikes up while waiting to race. Access to the
downhill gradient with a start gate at the top. gate should allow riders to line up behind those
The riders start with their front wheels pressed already on the pad and should be wide enough
against the start gate, which is hinged and to give access to the pad and gate. The material
drops forward when released to start the race. for this part of the track should be the same as
The average BMX track will be 300–400m in the surface of the track to stop foreign material
length with a hard, smooth surface. The track from being impacted into the race surface from
design will include obstacles constructed at riders’ feet or tyres.
strategic points to add excitement and an extra
skill factor to the racing. There are also banked A track with a tarmac start hill requires a sub-
turns (berms) to help riders maintain maximum base and a top surface dressing of tarmac.
speed during a race Concrete can be used for the surface but
experience has shown that over such a large
and sloping area the settlement of the hill will
cause cracking and in some cases require
complete replacement within a few years.
Tar mac on the other hand will, to some
degree, move with the settlement and reduce
maintenance costs.
The height of the hill should be at least 2m,
preferably higher. This will be the highest part of
the track and its visual impact on local residents
must be considered. From the start gate the hill
should extend for 12–13m before reaching
nominal track level, with a smooth transition
between the two. This can be achieved by
laying the tarmac below track level with the final
surface laid up to the tarmac. The pad to which
the gate and release mechanisms are attached
should be made from reinforced concrete to
ensure solid and permanent fixings. The start
pad must be at least 10m wide and 2.5m long. It
should have a rough ribbed finish to provide grip
for the competitors’ tyres (scoring across the
surface will provide extra grip) and should be
set at an angle of at least 20º to the horizontal.
The start pad should be at least as steep as the
starting slope, preferably 5–10º steeper.
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Figure 5 Details of start grid in BMX circuit
The height of an obstacle
is dependent on the speed
of the riders – small in
slow sections, larger in
faster sections.
Obstacles on slower parts
of the track should be
steeper than those on
faster sections.
The transition of the
slopes is very important.
A gradual slope from the
ground getting steeper
towards the top is required.
The total length of an
obstacle is dependent on
the speed of the riders
and the location on the
track.
Figure 6 Details of mounds in BMX circuit
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Cycling Sports Facilities
The gate should be constructed of a good Jumps
strong tube or box steel, but can be constructed One of the first jumps or obstacles on the track
in light alloy if available. It must be a minimum will often be a large set of doubles. The riders
of 8m wide and 50cm high and perpendicular to will approach these at speed and hence the
the slope of the pad when in its upright position. obstacle should be made wide (approximately
The gate release system should be made to fit l0m from front to rear edge) with a shallow
the gate and, if manual, enable release of the centre, hollow to allow younger riders to ride
gate with hand or foot pressure. It is preferable through it. It is important that the second peak
to have an electrical or pneumatically controlled is slightly higher than the first as this enables
start gate, and essential for a national event. those riders who are jumping the obstacle to
judge the distance as they approach it.
To prevent unsupervised children from trying to
lift the start gate, as a minimum precaution it The landing area should not be too shallow as
should be padlocked. riders will use the angle to control their landing;
if it is too shallow they will tend to land very
In competition use, the starting positions should heavily and lose control. Shallow landing areas
be clearly marked 1–8 on the gate. If automatic also stop less experienced riders jumping down
gates are used for competition, appropriately and landing on the front wheel only, which can
coloured lights must be provided and positioned easily cause loss of control.
in such a way as to be clearly visible to all
riders, without disadvantage in the ‘pedals Table top is another obstacle that should be
ready’ position. If using an automatic gate there l0m wide and 2–2.5m high to give younger
must be provision for a mechanical operation in riders extra speed as they come down from it
case of failure. into the turn; it is also intended to slow older
riders as they will tend to jump it. The same
Start or first straight comments about landing slopes apply. A flat
The start or first straight should be a minimum table top should be about 4m wide and 1m high
40m long and start with a width of l0m, tapering so that the more skilled riders will have enough
down to 6m as it enters the first berm. As speed to jump the obstacle with a flat trajectory
the first straight is usually where the most or to ‘manual’ the jump, that is, ride it on the
spectacular obstacles are sited, a generous back wheel only, while still applying pedal power.
width is recommended.
A speed jump should be about 1m high, down
to 0.4m high for the small types. It usually has a
reasonably shallow rear edge and a steep front
so that speed gets riders over it, and they can
gain speed by using the down slope as a mini
start hill.
Step-up doubles or step-up table tops can
also be high (2–2.5m) with an overall length of
8–l0m, which will be controlled by the speed of
riders entering the obstacle and its position in
relation to berms and other jumps. The rear
face of the jump should be reasonably steep to
enhance the skill level of riders who are
jumping and to maximise the speed for younger
riders through to the next obstacle. Averagely
skilled riders in the older classes should be able
to jump from the front slope onto the top but not
over the whole jump; the best riders will clear
the jump.
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Cycling Sports Facilities
Figure 7 Typical BMX circuit
A combination of two doubles can be very 2&2, that is, jump the first double into the centre
exciting to watch and to ride. Each element hollow then jump out and over the second double.
could be about 6m long with shallow centre
Often the most challenging obstacle is a
hollows but the transition hollow between the
combination or sequence of six jumps, each
two sets should be deep and longer. Younger/
about 3m long and 1m high with centre hollows
slower riders will be able to ride through the
between the jumps, which should be 0.75m
combination and older/faster riders will do a
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Cycling Sports Facilities
Figure 8 Elements of a BMX circuit
deep. Younger/slower riders will be able to ride without being stuck in mid-air. A distance of
through the combination and older/faster riders about 2m should be satisfactory depending on
will do various combinations of 2&2&2 or ride the angles of the slopes and the shape of the
two, jump two and so on. The skill of the rider will jumps. The slopes need not be severe and the
dictate their preferred route through the obstacle. jumps should have a well-rounded profile. A
tandem roller such as the Bomag 80 is a good
The space between jumps should allow a
guide to shape as it should be possible to take the
normal full-size BMX bike to fully enter and exit
roller through the full sequence without grounding.
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Cycling Sports Facilities
A small set of doubles, 4–6m wide and 1m A common mistake is to build jumps too small
high with a shallow centre hollow, gives younger as this entices younger, less experienced riders
riders enough speed to ride the obstacle and to try jumping them – often when unsupervised
use the down slope to give them speed into the – while older riders will over-jump the obstacle
next berm or jump, while older riders will be and risk bike damage or personal injury by not
jumping them. having a proper landing slope.
Another obstacle is the triple, which will be First berm
12–l5m wide and l.5m high at its third jump. The height of the first berm (bend) should be
Younger riders will ride it without difficulty while 2.5–3m at its outer edge with a steep internal
older riders will have the option of jumping parts slope to help riders maintain the speed at which
or all of it or just riding through. they enter the corner and to ensure a safe exit.
The height of an obstacle is dependent on the Any trees around this area should not interfere
speed of riders and the approach line to the with the track at any point and should be at
jump. Slower sections of the track require lower least 3m from the track edge.
jumps than the faster sections but, where the
The minimum width of the first berm should be
riders are exiting a fast berm, any jump close to
6m from the inside of the track to its top and
the berm will generally be low. The transition of
allowance should be made for a smoother
the slopes is also very important and can only
transition from the l0m wide start straight to the
be judged by experience or trial and error. A
rest of the track. The first straight is long and
gradual slope from the ground, getting steeper
will be fast – hence plenty of room is needed at
towards the top of the jump, is required and
the first berm for all riders to have an equal
this relationship varies from jump to jump
chance of negotiating it safely.
depending on height, speed and location to other
jumps. The length of jumps is also dependent Unlike in road construction, more material and
on the speed of riders and their relationship to height is needed on the exit of the berm to
the berms and other jumps. ensure transition to continue on the track. This
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Cycling Sports Facilities
maintains more momentum during racing, and When using the track for competition, the finish
allows alternative race lines for overtaking and line must be clearly marked on the track to
prevents collisions. indicate the finish point. Finish line banners
must also be high enough not to interfere with
Other berms
any rider or finish line official and vertical
A berm’s height will vary depending on its
supports must be placed back a minimum of 2m
shape and overall width. A tight turn might need
from the track edge and padded if necessary.
to be 2–2.5m high at its outer edge with a fairly
steep internal slope to maintain speed into the Track construction
corner and onto the next straight, while a wide
open turn can often require much less height. Grass and good-quality topsoil should be
removed. Topsoil can be used later on the
The minimum width of a berm should be 5m backs of berms and sides of obstacles (areas not
(6m for UCI events) from the inside of the track surfaced) to provide support to the structures
to its top to ensure adequate race surface. and to establish grass, which enhances the
When the berm is not in use it may reduce facility’s final appearance.
maintenance costs and be aesthetically pleasing
to allow grass to grow on the inside edge. A The importation of clean material – no chemicals,
good guide is to put most of the height in the glass, wood or rubbish – is required to build
last third of the berm and then add to it if up the main parts of the track (berms and
required. The objective is a smooth transition obstacles). For the construction of the larger
from the entry straight to the rest of the track. obstacles such as the start hill, berms and
larger jumps, crushed materials (no larger than
Last straight
100mm) taken from excavations of roads,
Normally the last straight is fairly technical with building sites and so on are suitable as they are
combinations of carefully spaced jumps.
stable and will not spread or change shape
Finish area during settlement. This material should be
An area should be provided beyond the finish covered with spoil to a depth of at least 150mm
line for riders completing the course to slow to prevent it from coming to the surface. The best
down safely. This area should be fenced off to spoil is clay based as it is stable and remains so
protect spectators. Allowance should be made during and after construction. This spoil can
for up to five officials to stand at either side of also be used to make the smaller obstacles.
the track.
On undulating or sloping land it might be possible
to reduce the quantity of material imported
by using the natural lie of the land and by the
repositioning of on-site materials.
Once the basic shape of the track is complete
a sub-base must be added. Depending on the
soil conditions the following recommendations
are made.
Soil condition
Clay, sandy or light soil
The sub-base, approximately 20mm down,
should be laid and compacted to a finished
depth of approximately 100mm over the entire
track. Following this the complete track area
should be surfaced with a fine soft limestone
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Cycling Sports Facilities
dust or dolomite (3mm to dust) to a compacted
depth of 20mm. With any clay-based soil there
is always ‘clay heave’ during adverse weather
conditions, so care should be taken that areas
will not become water logged causing the
surfacing to ‘mud up’. If it is clear that the area
will remain wet, the following procedure should
be followed:
● Remove all affected materials (for reuse).
● Fix a terrain membrane to the wet area.
● Fill with hardcore or similar free-draining
stable material and compact.
Track surfacing materials
● Follow normal track construction.
The following totals are a guide to the required
Stone/shale materials for the basic track stated above:
This ground condition requires less sub-base
● sub-base material 200 tonnes
material as the ground is more stable and less
likely to ‘mud up’. Lay 10mm to dust sub-base to ● top surface material 40 tonnes.
a compacted depth of 30mm. The area is then It is extremely important to achieve an aesthetically
surfaced as with the other soil types. pleasing appearance for the track and surrounding
areas in order to preserve the standards and
Material requirements
the image of the sport of BMX racing.
The following information is for general guidance
only and types of material and detailed estimates Concrete start hill
of quantities must be based on your final For a track with a concrete ramp or start hill,
track design, preferably in conjunction with an the requirement would be for the use of ready-
experienced track designer/builder. British Cycling mixed concrete laid to a depth of 100mm and
can provide contact details of recognised BMX ‘tamped’ to secure a fine ribbed surface (not
track builders. smooth) to the length and width of the start
hill – 10x12m.
Spoil
The quantity of concrete required for the start
While tracks can vary in length, the average
hill would be approximately 10–12m 3 with a
track is approximately 350–400m long by 6m
4:2:1 mix using 10mm stone. An air-entraining
wide. Tracks can also vary in the number of
agent is recommended in the concrete mix to
turns and jumps they have. Assuming a basic
increase its life expectancy in frosty conditions.
track layout with four turns and six jumping
Suitable joints running longitudinally are
sections, the following approximate totals of recommended for expansion.
spoil would be required:
Tarmac start hill
● start hill 250–300 tonnes
A track with a tarmac start hill would require a
● turns 250–300 tonnes sub-base and a top surface dressing of tarmac,
● jumps 150 tonnes. as follows:
These totals are dependent on the track design ● sub-base of 20mm base coat laid to a
and site location, but are a basic guide for spoil compacted depth of 75mm (approximately
importation. The larger the track and the more 7 tonnes)
jumps or special sections used, the greater the ● top surface 6mm topcoat laid to a compacted
requirements for spoil. depth of 25mm (approximately 4 tonnes).
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