It's the only facility of its kind in the region and Byron Bay's new cycle and running track at the Cavanbah Centre has been given a big 'thumbs up' by the Byron Bay Cycle Club and local cyclists.
The construction of the track was made possible thanks to a $250,000 grant from the Australian Government's Community Sport Infrastructure Fund, that was awarded to the Byron Bay Cycle Club.
"The new track replaces an existing 508m circuit that will be used for local criterion races, triathlons and other events as well as coaching," Deb Fuller from the Byron Bay Cycle Club said.
"It is also a terrific place for children to learn to ride a bicycle because it's away from traffic, as well as an exercise area for wheelchair users and people running or walking for fitness," she said.
"We are already holding criterion race meets here and it can double as a training base for interstate and overseas cycling teams, post COVID of course," Ms Fuller said.
While the new track is a project initiated by the Byron Bay Cycle Club, Byron Shire Council supported the application, providing access to the land at the Cavanbah Centre for the new facility.
"There is not a track like this within a 150km radius and Byron Bay now has a facility that all residents can use and be very proud of," Chris Boogert, President of the Byron Bay Cycle Club, said.
Phil Holloway, Council's Director Infrastructure Services, said the project was a great example of Council working with a community group to develop a facility that would benefit many people in the Shire.
"It is really exciting to see the Byron Bay Cycle Club's vision and hard work realised with this new track which is built on Council land and able to be used by anyone," Mr Holloway said.
Leo Armenta Butt, a cyclist from London who recently won a criterion on the Cavanbah circuit, said that after being locked up in London due to COVID-19, to come to Byron Bay to race on the new track was a tremendous thrill.
"I loved it and all my friends stuck at home in the UK were so envious when I shared pictures of the Byron Bay track on social media," he said.
The one kilometre, multi-use, competition grade track will be officially opened on 22 December 2020.
