Local youth asks Middleton council to back pump track and e-bike facility

A local youth presented a multi-part proposal to the Middleton City Council asking the city to support construction of a pump track and e-bike-friendly facility that would serve riders of all ages.

Jack Emerson, who identified himself as a 13-year-old resident, described a pump track as “a continuous loopable circuit of banks, turns and roll rollers” that lets riders generate momentum by pumping rather than pedaling. He told the council pump tracks can serve toddlers through seasoned riders, create social and fitness benefits, and lower long-term maintenance costs compared with some traditional sports fields.

Emerson outlined funding options tested in other communities — including federal community development block grants (he cited a CDBG-funded example of about $431,000 in another town), targeted crowdfunding and corporate sponsorships, and community fundraising events such as a charity ride with entry fees. He proposed forming a Middleton youth cycling and pump track committee to coordinate site feasibility, community outreach and fundraising, and asked the council to assign a staff liaison to advise on municipal codes, park integration and donation acceptance.

Council members praised the presentation and said they would add the topic to a future agenda for more detailed discussion and staff follow-up. The council did not take any immediate binding action on the proposal during the meeting.