Velosolutions Pump Track
MIRI: At Taman Bulatan, the once-quiet urban park now pulses with the energy of spinning wheels, bursts of laughter, and youth in full motion. This is the site of Malaysia’s first international-standard Velosolutions Pump Track — a game-changing development that is reshaping the city’s recreational landscape and redefining possibilities for its people, particularly the younger generation.
Funded under Sarawak’s Rural Transformation Programme (RTP) at a cost of RM600,000, the track may look like a maze of berms, rollers, and tarmac loops to the untrained eye. But to the children, teenagers, and adults who gather here daily, it is far more than that — a place to belong, to grow, to chase dreams, and perhaps to change the trajectory of one’s life.
Officially opened in March 2024, the Velosolutions Pump Track in Miri is the first of its kind in Malaysia. Stretching just over 250 metres and covering nearly 2,000 square metres, it is designed for speed, flow, and accessibility — catering to everyone from beginners to elite riders. Built to international standards by Velosolutions GmbH, with support from local contractor Chorts Incorporation and Miri City Council, the facility is part of a broader push to position Sarawak as a hub for adventure and eco-tourism.
“This project has placed Miri on the global map,” said Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts I (Tourism), during the launch. “It’s not just infrastructure — it’s an investment in our youth, our community, and our future.”
From the outset, the vision was clear: to create more than just a sports venue. The pump track was conceived as a safe public space for healthy activity, a breeding ground for local talent, and a magnet for regional tourism. Just months after its opening, it is already all that — and more.
Where Community Finds Its Wheels
Visit on any afternoon and you’ll find a melting pot of humanity: schoolchildren pedalling furiously on BMX bikes, teenage skaters tracing loops with practised ease, and toddlers learning balance under watchful parents. The hum of wheels against asphalt is punctuated by cheers, laughter, and the occasional tumble — always followed by applause and encouragement.
For 15-year-old Adam Junaidi, the track has become a second home.
“I used to spend my time playing games or wandering around,” he said. “Now I come here every day after school. I’ve made new friends and I feel more focused — not just in cycling but in life.”
Parents are seeing changes too. Siti Halimah, whose two sons aged 9 and 12 train here, says the difference is clear.
“They’re more active, more disciplined. They’re even sleeping better at night,” she laughed. “It’s been a blessing for our family.”
The sense of belonging is tangible. Volunteer coaches from local cycling clubs guide newcomers, older teens mentor younger riders, and there’s even an informal culture of sharing bikes, helmets, and riding tips.
A Launchpad for Aspirations
This track isn’t just for leisure — it’s also a springboard for future champions. Designed to meet UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) specifications, it opens doors to national and international competitions, including the prestigious Red Bull UCI Pump Track World Championships.
Already, several promising young cyclists have begun structured training, with their sights set on regional and global tournaments. For them, the pump track is more than a training ground — it is a symbol of opportunity.
From Aspiration to Activation
Beyond sport, the pump track has become a catalyst for wellness, inclusion, and placemaking. Local businesses are feeling the ripple effect — bike rental kiosks, food stalls, and merchandise vendors now line the park. Cycling organisations and NGOs regularly host workshops and clinics, and the facility has sparked broader conversations about the role of public spaces in fostering healthy, resilient communities.
Miri Mayor Adam Yii sees this as just the beginning.
“The pump track is part of our larger plan to make Miri not only a liveable city but an aspirational one. We want infrastructure that serves both local needs and global potential.”
Lessons in Resilience and Innovation
The story of Miri’s pump track also reflects the power of collaboration between public policy, the private sector, and community spirit. Despite logistical hurdles, construction was completed ahead of schedule in December 2024 — thanks to the expertise of Velosolutions’ expatriate team and local contractors.
An Inclusive Space in Motion
The track has been embraced by experienced athletes and complete beginners alike. For women and girls especially, it has been a breakthrough.
Nineteen-year-old Nurul Aina recalls her first hesitant visit:
“I was nervous at first, but the coaches were supportive. Now I ride every week. It’s helped me believe I can do things outside my comfort zone.”
Accessibility was built into the design: it’s free to use, open daily, and well-connected by public transport. Plans are underway to add shaded rest areas, more lighting, and adaptive cycling programmes for riders with disabilities.
Future initiatives include skill-based certifications and youth mentorship schemes, offering structured pathways not only in cycling but also in leadership, mechanics, coaching, and entrepreneurship. With the right support, today’s hobbyists could become tomorrow’s industry leaders.
Riding Towards the Future
As the sun sets over Taman Bulatan, the final riders glide across the track, their silhouettes etched against an amber sky. A year ago, such a scene would have been unimaginable. Now, it’s a living reality — a space transformed, a community empowered, and a new story in motion.
For Miri’s youth, the Velosolutions Pump Track is more than just tarmac and curves. It is a stage where dreams are rehearsed, resilience is learned, and confidence is built — one lap at a time.
And as Sarawak looks ahead, investing in its young people as co-creators of their environment, this track may be the first of many projects that push communities forward — smoothly, steadily, and at full speed.
