A visit to Forest of Dean Cycle Centre

 This week I visited the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre to go mountain biking. This site is a great example of a mountain bike park and its related infrastructure, and will greatly help in the design development of Alney Island. There was a system of wider primary pathways throughout the site which were frequently and clearly signposted. These were all linked to the car park, cafe, and bike rental area and shop. These facilities are similar to what I plan for Alney Island in the bicycle hub. Additionally, this site runs regular guided events and rides such as night rides by torchlight, and social rides for people to get outdoors and meet new people, learning some new skills along the process. One aspect of this park which I noticed was that there could be some more places for mountain bikers to stop, sit and relax for their lunch or to catch a breather. This is something I have noted for the design of my own mountain bike park.

Wider, 'fire track' road, which links the different graded single-track trails.

An example of a piece of single-track trail, and the signposting and wayfinding associated.


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