CLEVELAND — Northeast Ohio will soon have a “first-of-its-kind” pump track for BMX mountain bikers, Cleveland Metroparks unveiled on Wednesday. 

Cleveland Metroparks also announced a collaboration with the Student Conservation Association to expand the existing mountain bike trail at the Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation. 

Both the pump track and expanded mountain bike trail will be installed at the Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation, just north of the Canalway Center. The bike trail will intersect with the Towpath Trail, connecting to downtown Cleveland. 

Work to expand the existing 2.5-mile trail to 5 miles will begin later this year with a target completion date of summer 2022. Cleveland Metroparks said the expansion will include sections for beginner, intermediate and advance trails as well as a flow trail with jumps.

Cleveland Metroparks expects to begin construction on the pump track this summer with a fall 2021 completion. 

What is a pump track? 

“Designed for BMX and mountain bike riders, the pump track is a looped track featuring small hills and banked turns that allow riders to maximize their momentum along the track with minimal pedaling,” Cleveland Metroparks said in a statement. “Riders generate movement by ‘pumping’ along the track through up and down movement on track’s hills and banked turns.”

“This pump track will be the first of its kind in northeast Ohio, offering a new challenge and amenity for our biking community,” said Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian M. Zimmerman. “We’re also excited to partner with the Student Conservation Association on the expansion of our original mountain bike trail at Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation. These projects build upon our mission of conservation, education and recreation, and support youth conservation leaders in our community.”