Cycling Center Planned for Downtown Winston-Salem

A new cycling center is in the works for downtown Winston-Salem.

The center is planned for a vacant building near the corner of Liberty and Fifth streets. Organizers say the center would be a place for elite cyclists to get cutting-edge training. But there would also be something for non-cyclists, including a plan for a market with fresh, healthy foods.

Dr. Rick Rouck  is spearheading the cycle center effort.  He is also the event chairman of the Winston-Salem Cycling Classic, a race that was held last weekend. He says when it comes to cycling Winston-Salem has advantages over most larger cities, including easy access to rural roads.

Rouck says if all goes well the cycling center could be designated as a U.S. Olympic cycling training center. He says the center is on track to open in the second half of 2015. Once it is opened, organizers will focus on earning the Olympic designation. 

Matthew Burczyk, a planner in charge of bike and walking paths for the city of Winston-Salem, says the center could have a huge impact on bike culture in the city. If the center is approved as an Olympic training center, he says the impact could go well beyond the city.

Burczyk says the city's bike outreach includes the return Sunday of Cycling Sunday Fun Day from 3:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The event includes a .75-mile bike loop in West Salem for cyclists, skaters and skateboarders, as well as games, activities and bike decorating. Helmets are required for cyclists. Free parking is available at the gateway YWCA as well as Gateway Family Practice, 390 W. Salem Ave.