07/24/2025
Keeping Morden’s New Track in Top Shape: Why No Wheels Are Allowed
Morden’s new Discovery Track & Field facility is a valuable community investment, designed with a special rubberized surface for running and walking. As excitement grows around using the track, it’s important for everyone to understand the rules that will protect it for years to come.
A key rule is “no wheels on the track” meaning bicycles, rollerblades, scooters, roller skates, skateboards, and similar wheeled devices are not permitted. This post offers a short explanation about why wheeled devices are prohibited on the new track and how they can damage the surface.
Why Wheeled Devices Are Prohibited on the Track
Running tracks are purpose-built for foot traffic only. The synthetic rubber surface is engineered to support runners’ footsteps, not the concentrated pressure and friction of wheels. In fact, track builders have a saying: “If it has wheels on it, it does not belong on the track.”
Tire Friction and Lateral Stress: Unlike a runner’s shoe which briefly contacts and lifts off, wheels press and grind against the track continuously. Turning or stopping a wheeled device introduces lateral (sideways) shearing forces on the rubber. The track’s rubberized top layer isn’t built to withstand that kind of tire friction and side force. Such stress can scuff, tear, or even delaminate the surface (separating the rubber layer from its asphalt base)
Concentrated Load on Small Contact Points: Wheels focus the user’s weight on a small area. For example, a bicycle carrying a rider might put hundreds of pounds of force on the narrow area where the tires touch the track. This high pressure can dent or compress the springy surface. Similarly, the hard small wheels of rollerblades, scooters, or skateboards create points of intense pressure that wear down the rubber quickly, especially if the user jumps, pivots, or stops suddenly.
Abrasion and Wearing: Wheeled vehicles can cause abrasion. Each rotation of a tire or wheel can act like sandpaper on the track. Rapid starts, stops, or skids are even worse. An abrupt twist of a tire (for instance, turning a bike’s handlebars while stationary on the track) can be “sufficient to break the bond between the surface and the base” of the track. Over time this leads to early deterioration of the surface, requiring costly repairs or even premature resurfacing of the track. Additionally, if a rider falls or a bike pedal or a scooter handle hits the surface, it can dig out chunks of the track. Each gouge not only creates a tripping hazard but also opens the material to water intrusion, which can worsen the damage.
Bottom Line: Wheeled devices can seriously damage the running surface. Our new track is a high-quality community asset and is meant to last. Allowing improper use would risk our significant collective investment. A track that should have lasted 20+ years might need expensive resurfacing in a fraction of that time due to misuse.
By following these best practices and keeping wheels off the track our community can ensure the new track remains safe, attractive, and functional for as long as possible.
