Community-Driven Lighting for Safe, Sustainable Cycling

  Posted by: electime      7th May 2026

When Pendle Borough Council set out to replace ageing HID lanterns at the Steven Burke Sports Hub (a free-access, 1.1 km cycling circuit and BMX pump track in Nelson), it became a true community endeavour. Named after hometown hero Sir Steven Burke, a double Olympic gold medallist, the facility now boasts safer, more sustainable illumination thanks to Thorn Lighting staff who ride the circuit alongside Pendle Forest Cycling Club members. The upgrade respects local wildlife and shines a spotlight on community spirit and sporting excellence.

Illuminating a Community Hub

The inspiration for this upgrade came directly from the track itself. Paul Whittaker, who was working for Thorn at the time and is an avid club rider and event organiser, together with Key Account Manager Craig Lensky, who rode with the club in the 1970s, approached Pendle Borough Council with a vision to modernise the Sports Hub’s lighting. The original lighting and electrical installations were carried out by a local contractor (within a 5-mile radius), who also fitted the new replacement luminaires for this upgrade. Working in close partnership with club members, council officers, and Thorn’s project team, new luminaires were manufactured in Thorn’s Spennymoor factory and a local wholesaler less than a mile away from the track, ensuring high quality and low carbon footprint.

A Collaborative Lighting Solution

Faced with forty-one fixed column positions around the circuit, Thorn’s Isaro Pro LED lanterns were selected for their precision optics and robust construction. Each lantern contains 24 LEDs with specifically tuned drive currents and appropriate lenses, these were configured to provide even, glare-controlled light across the entire track surface while keeping spill to a minimum beyond the boundary. The 4000K colour temperature LED chipsets ensures excellent visual clarity for riders and coaches during early-morning training or late-evening sessions.

Overcoming Project Challenges

Addressing dark spots between the existing fixed-position columns required precise optical specification. Thorn engineers produced a Lighting Design solution and conducted multiple site visits to select the correct distribution and lumen levels to check uniformity and light levels throughout the loop. Protecting the nocturnal environment was equally critical: by eliminating upward light and minimising horizontal spill, the scheme safeguards the bats, owls, hedgehogs and rabbits that share Swinden Playing Fields.

Delivering Benefits for Riders and Wildlife

Since commissioning, the LED upgrade has cut energy consumption by approximately 45%, freeing council funds for coaching and track improvements. The Isaro Pro’s uniform, low-glare illumination enhances rider confidence and safety, while precise beam control preserves dark corridors for wildlife. Maintenance demands have dropped dramatically thanks to the lanterns’ long life and accessible gear trays, keeping the circuit open and welcoming to all.

Tricia Wilson, Project Manager (Engineering & Cycling), Pendle Borough Council, said: “This wasn’t just a lighting upgrade; it was a community effort. Club members and Thorn staff all contributed. The result is a safer, greener facility that honours Steven Burke’s legacy.”

For more information on Thorn’s Isaro Pro, visit www.thornlighting.co.uk/Isaro_Pro