Cagnes-sur-Mer Pumptrack: The City finally decides to create a beginner's circuit to avoid collisions

Backpedaling in order, in Cagnes-sur-Mer, around the future pump track . Designed with two tracks side by side, the bumpy loop will ultimately be supported by a smaller circuit suitable for beginners. Once the seasoned practitioners are on one side and the rookie toddlers on the other, BMX, scooters, skateboards, rollerblades or balance bikes will be able to peacefully enjoy this dream spot, located at the end of the seaside, on the border with the Loup. For good reason: there will be less risk of collisions.

"It seems that the town hall has finally heard our cries of alarm," observes Serge Rodriguez. Half amused, half relieved by this last-minute turnaround (the site is due to open at the end of June), the president of the Riviera Skating Institute association hails "a wise decision. The mayor had promised circuits adapted by level. Before announcing that there would only be one loop for all participants. Parents and riders caused such a scandal on social media that the town had to revise its copy."

"The perfect combination"

The designer, Vélosolutions, was therefore given the task of creating a new, smaller course with smoother bumps. This is a striking contrast to the neighboring model and its powerful waves of asphalt, perfect springboards, "jumplines" , from which to launch yourself to attempt the best tricks. The layout appeals to the rollerblading enthusiast: "We have the perfect combination. On one side, a sports field with a double intermediate/expert track. It's great for progressing and challenging yourself. On the other, there's a learning area, more family-friendly, ideal for getting started and having fun at your own pace. Now it's up to users to learn to coexist intelligently. We have the spaces to succeed."

This renewed enthusiasm, however, cannot completely erase a certain incomprehension. "Why didn't the City listen to the practitioners? As early as November, during the information meeting, everyone present alerted the mayor. Better consultation would have avoided an uproar and saved time and money."

How much will this extension cost? When will it open? Why such a last-minute change? "Costs have been strictly controlled," the city assures. "The introductory track costs €40,000, a sum that could be included in the overall budget of €690,000."

As for the reasons that led it to backtrack, the municipality mentions "such enthusiasm that a second development was put in place to meet the demand of families, Cagnois residents and the many users."

Without waiting for the opening, they test the track

"Such a beautiful pump track, it's bound to burn the wheels of some riders. Impossible to wait," smiles an urban skating fan, met on the seaside. On the weekend of May 8, the rider hesitated to join a group of "about twenty people" who had crossed the barriers to "send a few tricks. This spot is going to become a real showcase, like the bowl in Cannes (Roseraie skatepark). I understand the craze," continues the freestyler... before expressing some reservations: "In a pump track, to avoid colliding, there is a direction of traffic. But because the signage hasn't been done on the track yet, it's a bit anarchy."

"They don't have the right to be there anyway," grumbles a walker, who has not escaped the municipal police patrols. "It's normal, there's a camera" right next to the "peumetraque," he says in French.

Some useful translations: pumptrack = roller track for Quebecers; riders = practitioners; spots = the place where riders meet to practice; freestyler = acrobatic rider.