Urban riding is nothing new. People have been riding urban obstacles on mountain bikes since the early days of riding, when they realised the strong wheels and components could cope with the abuse concrete dishes out. Over time this has spawned a whole subset of riding with trials being the extreme expression of this.
But what to do if you don't want to hop up steps or ride some urban furniture. What if you're an urban biker with a taste for single track. Until recently your choices were limited to perhaps a quick blast round the park but now councils are waking up to the potential of urban riding as a means of providing residents with a challenging all weather opportunity to ride their bikes.

Parkwood in Sheffield is the latest northern offering. The trail is designed to be accessible and promote skills development from a novice who can roll down it, to the expert rider who can flow and pump through its turns and features. Opt ins and multiple lines being the name of the game. It will be open access and free to use. There will be a strong emphasis on positive activity for all riders at whatever level. To encourage and develop MTB skills, flow and style. To promote and foster sustainable trail use, good rider etiquette and respect, and develop a wider understanding of the natural environment and the context the trail is set in.

As well as developing riding the trails will be running a programme of events and races up there through the years from spring 2011 onwards.

Further info can be found on the Gravity Slaves website or by contacting Jon.Dallow@sheffield.gov.uk.

Other similar northern developments include Billinge Woods near Blackburn, Mostyn Vale near Manchester, and our personal favourite - Buck Wood near Bradford built by SingletrAction volunteers working in cooperation with local bike shops and Bradford Council. And for a taste of what's possible in an urban setting, how about this example from Seattle?.