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Save Preston Park: Hundreds expected to join mass ride next month

Crowdfunding the track: Preston Park cycle track needs a lot of money, but first it needs a website

Around 160 cyclists are expected to ride through Brighton and Hove next month to help save the UK's oldest cycle track, and organisers are appealing for more support for the cause.

The Preston Park cycle track in Brighton, which opened in 1877, was closed earlier this year when ageing perimeter fences meant it was deemed by British Cycling no longer safe to use for competitive events.

However, cyclists have rallied around the iconic track to try and see it brought back to safe racing standard. Organisers of the ride on Saturday 5 September, hope to raise £2,000 through crowdfunding to start campaigning in earnest for the track's refurbishment.

- Sean Yates backs campaign to save Brighton's Preston Park velodrome

A statement from the group reads: "What's needed here is full and undoubting support of all cyclists for this campaign to save the track."

"This campaign won't survive without every cyclist firstly knowing about the campaign to save the Oldest track in the UK, but secondly and most importantly understanding and caring why it should be saved."

The group believes the track, which is used by riders of all ages, can be a great resource for the local area, and a hub for cycling activities, as well as "to teach and mentor young and not so young cyclists".

Last year British Cycling submitted a list of defects to owners Brighton and Hove City Council, all of which will need remedying before the track can be cleared for competitive use. However, it has been deemed safe for use out of competition and remains well frequented by cyclists.

The crowd funding page has already raised £1,215 of the initial £2,000 target, but there is a long way to go yet. Repairing the perimeter fence alone will cost £300,000, with additional funds needed to repair the track itself.

There are options to pledge from £3 up to £1.5m which, if achieved, would provide for cycling, cricket and tennis facilities at the venue.

A petition earlier in the year gained more than 3,600 supporters, sparking a discussion by councillors on the track's future. The group's Facebook page has 5,500 "likes" but organisers say real world action is needed to save the track.

"I am not asking for blind following of a campaign just because it is about cycling, I am asking YOU to get involved because it is so much more than about cycling.

"You can start or continue doing this by joining the ride in Brighton on the 5th September.

"Arrive in your lycra on your bike that is worth more than your car, or even arrive in your tweed on your penny farthing or for that matter in your normal everyday clothes on a shopping bike, it doesn't matter. If you have a bicycle and you want to help raise awareness of this campaign come along and ride."

The Save Preston Park Cycle Track group wants to make the case for immediate refurbishment of the track, with the council's support, before work starts on a new perimeter fence, lighting and a new stadium and facilities building. It will also establish a trust to manage the facility.

Meet between the wheel and Brighton Pier at 10am on Saturday 5 September for the 2.8 mile ride to Preston Park. Details are here

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Rupert | 9 years ago
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Due to the expected numbers taking part in this campaign ride on the 5th September the meeting point has been change to Steine Gardens in Brighton at 10am.

http://goo.gl/u0LhGG

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caaad10 | 9 years ago
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£300k to repair the fence?.....

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Rupert replied to caaad10 | 9 years ago
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Well it's not actually repairing it, it is replacing the fence and carrying out resurfacing of the track.
But there is much more that needs to be spent to make this cycling facility sustainable, which is what Save Preston Park Cycle Track Campaign want to do. We want to make this track a real hub for cycling in the area.

There is lots of potential for this cycling facility we just need to find the funds.

This is the Uk's oldest cycling track but just because it is the oldest doesn't mean that it doesn't serve purpose and with a bit of extra funds we will see racing at the track again.

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Rupert | 9 years ago
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If you aren't able to join the ride on the 5th September or even if you are. Can you help by telling as many people about the campaign as possible.

Please retweet and share this article via social media. Use the buttons on the left of the report. Thank you !

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wheelz | 9 years ago
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Where are you all meeting and and what time?

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portec replied to wheelz | 9 years ago
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wheelz wrote:

Where are you all meeting and and what time?

It's in the last paragraph: "Meet between the wheel and Brighton Pier at 10am on Saturday 5 September for the 2.8 mile ride to Preston Park."  16

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Rupert replied to wheelz | 9 years ago
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wheelz wrote:

Where are you all meeting and and what time?

There is more details about the event here on this page https://goo.gl/HB5gKh

Avatar
Rupert | 9 years ago
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Thank you Road.cc for producing this important article about the Save Preston Park Cycle Track Campaign.

Everybody is invited to join the Ride on the 5th September.
Please RSVP if you are coming along https://goo.gl/HB5gKh

Follow the campaign on Social Media

http://www.facebook.com/saveprestonparkcycletrack

http://www.facebook.com/groups/saveppct

http://www.twitter.com/saveppct

And don't forget we are only asking for £3 in pledges to the Crowd Funding campaign although large pledges are appreciated.

Check the Crowd Funding page for details of the rewards
http://goo.gl/RE9tCb

Hope to see all of you on your bikes in Brighton on the 5th September.

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