Mud Buggy Tracks

Mud buggy tracks provide Local Authorities with a facility that benefits the whole community. Young people can be involved from an early stage, having input into design and progressing to the challenges of running the track as a business. The community as a whole will benefit from being able to hire the track out for parties, team building and as a fun family activity.

Wolverhampton City Council Youth Service awarded Rampmental Ltd. the contract to construct a Mud Buggy track in 2008 which was supported by the ‘Youth Bank’.

The track was produced on a relatively small piece of ground (approx 40m x 38m). This particular area was previously unused and prone to fly tipping. All top soil was taken from local building sites and reused; old tyres, used as a safety feature, were donated free by local businesses. The project used about 90% recycled materials in its production and linked local enterprise with residents thereby uniting the community.

In the current socio-economic climate, there are growing concerns for the mental, physical and social health of the population as a whole not least teenagers and younger children. Obesity is on the increase and now
affects 30% of young people with a projected rise to 50% within the next decade. Coupled with this is the problem that today’s youngsters become easily bored and are likely to isolate themselves using only social networking sites for contact with their peers and can fall prey to the alcoholism, drug addiction and smoking as a result, unless exciting facilities are provided to allow them to express themselves in a positive way. Mud
buggies meet the need of young people who seek thrills and speed in a safe environment.

Bushbury Youth Centre worked closely with Rampmental Ltd. on the design and will be involved in running the track as a business giving them ownership which can deal with the negative effects of teen boredom and destructive behaviour.

Less than 20% of school age children are involved in physical activity and this may be prohibited by cost for socially deprived communities and young people. It is important for local authorities and community groups to embrace the need to address the needs of young people (specifically teenagers)  as highlighted by
government research and policy. Many people including the local police force visited the site during construction and showed great enthusiasm. Many wished to try or hire out the track for their friends and colleagues which will offer the opportunity to maintain or even improve on the existing facility without the requirement of additional money from the Local Authority’s maintenance budget.

Vigorous outdoor exercise is known to have a positive effect on the mental health of young people, reducing stress due to the high demands of education and encouraging comradeship and friendship among peer
groups, combining fun with challenge.

Young people can also learn valuable skills by being involved in the maintenance of the buggy’s together with the upkeep of the track by filling in and raking over the ruts, ensuring that the tyres are placed correctly and completing safety inspection checks prior to racing.

The track was designed to accommodate one buggy at a time with racing to be done on a time trial basis which would remove the possibility of collisions and a fenced spectators area was also provided as a safety feature to help prevent people wandering on to the track whilst in use.

Facilities like this can be achieved for as little as £35k including the buggy’s and safety wear (overalls, helmets etc).

Rampmental Ltd. believes that the presence of a mud buggy track in the community can have a positive influence on its society.

If you feel your community could benefit from a Mud Buggy track please feel free to contact us using the Reader Enquiry system below and we will arrange a site visit and consultation free of charge.