Frequently asked questions and answers
I’ve heard that wood used for footbridges and similar structures tends to rot, which is why it’s often better to build on earth or gravel.
Wood in direct contact with organic materials, like soil, does decay relatively quickly. However, our use of steel substructures eliminates this issue. It’s similar to the way old log houses, built on plinths or walls, can last for hundreds of years.
That being said, we have no objection to constructing features on gravel or similar surfaces. However, this approach requires the builder to have a thorough understanding of cycling patterns, as structures built this way tend to be more permanent than our modular solutions.
Doesn’t wood become slippery to cycle on in rainy weather?
Yes, wood can be more slippery than gravel. However, the design of our modules addresses this issue. The ribs on our modules are only 45 mm wide, creating more air gaps and edges. This design allows rainwater to drain effectively and enhances grip. Additionally, we use unplaned timber, which provides greater friction compared to planed timber, further improving safety in wet conditions.
Does the wood need to be treated over time?
We use the highest-quality pine, which naturally offers excellent durability, often surpassing most wood treatments. While we have experimented with various treatments, such as Nitor (silicone-based), our design eliminates the need for additional protection since the surface does not come into direct contact with organic material, preventing rot.
For bicycle parks located in particularly harsh environments or in cases where treated wood is required, we offer Linax treatment for our wooden slats as an optional solution.
How long do Velopark products last?
The lifespan of Velopark products varies based on usage and load. However, both the undercarriage and riding surface are engineered to endure loads far exceeding those typically exerted by cyclists. Our undercarriages are constructed with high-quality steel, providing general durability against rust for over ten years. Additionally, our products comply with the SSEN76 standard for playground equipment, ensuring they meet stringent safety and durability requirements.
Is it possible to replace individual boards on a damaged riding surface?
Yes, replacing individual boards is simple if they become worn or damaged. One of the advantages of our steel frames and oversized joints is that screws can be securely installed and removed multiple times without issue. This differs from wood-to-wood connections, where screw holes tend to widen over time, making repeated replacements more challenging.
What protection zone do you recommend for your products?
For trail construction, bike playgrounds, or technology parks, we typically recommend a safety zone of at least 150 cm around the riding surface. This area should be free from obstacles such as trees, stumps, branches, or rocks. For more advanced features or jumps, we advise increasing the safety zone to ensure additional clearance and reduce the risk of injury.
Is Velopark approved for use as a playground?
Yes, all our products are specifically designed and constructed to meet the requirements for playground use.
We cannot have our technology park permanently installed. Is it difficult to remove your products?
Not at all. Each individual module is lightweight and can be easily carried by one person, making removal straightforward and hassle-free.
Why do you use steel bases instead of wood?
While we appreciate wood and have built many features entirely out of it, wood-only constructions typically hold up well for a year or two, depending on wear and tear and ground contact. After that, individual boards on the riding surface often need replacing, but with wooden subframes, the screw holes tend to widen over time, making it difficult to secure replacements effectively.
When subframes come into contact with organic materials, they are also prone to rotting. Many of our customers require a durability of at least ten years, so we have designed our products with this in mind, opting for steel bases to meet these expectations.
Additionally, the strong steel structure of the subframes provides us with greater creative flexibility, enabling us to incorporate other materials and design unique, customized features.
Why do you sell your products as modules instead of ready-made features?
We offer both individual modules and ready-made features to suit different needs. However, our unique modular system has several advantages. It simplifies handling, allows for quick reconfiguration to create new features by rearranging the modules, and provides flexibility for evolving designs.
Additionally, a complete park can be easily installed by one person without the need for heavy machinery or advanced tools, making our modular system practical and efficient.