The Cathkin Braes facility has a starring role in a powerful new short film about the positive impact of cycling across the country.
Elite athlete and filmmaker Aimi Kenyon’s movie Urban Delights coincides with the unveiling of a new interactive map which showcases every pump track in Scotland, in a bid to make it easy for people to discover and enjoy community cycling facilities.
(Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest)
The Cathkin Braes track is on the doorstep of Castlemilk Youth Complex (CYC), Scotland’s largest youth-led club which provides a range of services to support young people and families in the area.
Its cycling programmes and bike maintenance workshops, described by the film-makers as a “shining example of community participation in sport” have inspired many to get involved.
Michael Hanrahan, Streetwise coordinator at CYC, said: “The pump track at Cathkin Braes has been a game-changer for our community.
“We’ve seen more young people, and families, getting involved in cycling – many for the first time.”
Young cyclists at the track (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest)
The bike group at CYC is largely youth-led, with the young members having full control over what they do and where they go.
Michael explains: “Our group is diverse, with ages ranging from 12 to 21, and we’re proud that the majority of our members are young women.
“This is especially exciting because mountain biking is a male-dominated sport.”
(Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest)
He adds: “The group also has a bike container at the CYC, which serves as a hangout spot. The young people are always coming up with new ideas to improve and expand what we offer.
“It’s about more than just riding bikes: it’s about confidence, friendship and creating positive experiences that last.”
The young people whizzing around the track at the launch event for Urban Delights agree.
“It’s just fun,” says Grace, 17, while Hayley, 15, adds: “It helps me build up my confidence.”
Carly, 15, adds: “It’s open to everyone, and free, and you can use it whenever you want.”
Sketch, 16, and Caitlin, 15, say the track has lots of benefits.
“It is fun and I have made many friends from this experience – #tryit!” says Sketch.
“It takes your mind off things, and it is lots of fun,” says Caitlin.
Valerian, 19, adds: “I love the pump track because it makes me feel free.”
Aimi Kenyon (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest)
Aimi is a Junior British Champion in downhill mountain biking. Urban Delights is the culmination of Aimi’s journey through the Fresh Cuts programme, supported by Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (DMBinS), Cut Media and Screen Scotland, which gives emerging filmmakers hands-on training and mentorship.
In the film, Aimi visits pump tracks from the Borders to the Highlands, capturing the stories of riders, community leaders, and young people whose lives have been enriched by these facilities.
Aimi and Michael at the track (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest)
Aimi said: “Making Urban Delights has been an absolute joy. I loved travelling across Scotland, visiting pump tracks and hearing first-hand the incredible impact they have on individuals and communities.
“The Fresh Cuts programme, and the training from Cut Media and Screen Scotland, has been invaluable – I’ve learned so much and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to tell this story.”
The new interactive pump track map, developed by DMBinS, is a free online resource that enables riders, families and community groups to find pump tracks near them. It also provides an insight into what to expect at the facility and other useful information.
Graeme McLean, head of DMBinS, said: “Scotland is home to a truly world-class spread of pump tracks and we have been delighted to support the development of many of them over the last 15 years, increasing the accessibility into our amazing sport and introducing so many new people to its joys.”
He added: “Aimi’s film captures the joy, connection and opportunity pump tracks bring, and it’s been a pleasure to work with her through the Fresh Cuts programme.”
Urban Delights is available to watch online, and the interactive pump track map can be accessed via the DMBinS website.