Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

A bike trails club in Caerphilly have asked the public for help as they face a funding shortfall in the wake of disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Van Road Trails, who maintain the bike trails off Van Road in Caerphilly town, must pay public liability insurance in January but are currently short of the required amount after a number of events have been cancelled.

The site was officially opened in 2012, although an unofficial course existed at the site previously.

The club’s treasurer, James Davies, told Caerphilly Observer: “Most people don’t realise there are running costs like insurance, but without that, there wouldn’t be a site here.

“We are a free-to-use site as we don’t take revenue at the door, but we still have expenses and usually we cover these through membership and events.

“Everything we do is voluntary, so members and users will carry out maintenance on the trails.

“The land owned is by Natural Resources Wales, however, and public liability insurance is one of the stipulations we must meet to continue using the site.”

The club usually run an annual dual slalom event in October, and the cancellation of the event means the site risks closing in January if insurance is not paid.

James continued: “It is a really accessible site and open to everybody regardless of age or ability.

“We are trying to plug the gap in funding with club memberships. Sponsorship from local partners like Trailcraft MTB, BMX Track Construction and Don Skene Cycles have helped greatly while other companies like BikeShredz have also offered help.”

People can donate via the club’s Facebook page or via their donation page.