Overview

The Loading Bay secured £23,000 in funding to deliver a comprehensive BMX programme for school-aged young people across Glasgow. The project combined free access to BMX training with facility improvements and staff development, making the sport more accessible and inclusive.

Key Impacts

• 2,440+ hours of BMX activity delivered
• 380+ sessions attended
• 95% of participants achieved excellent riding ability
• 2 part-time jobs created
• 10 new BMX bikes added to the fleet
• £1,500+ in repairs completed
  
  

Programme Highlights

Free Weekly BMX Club

A 30-week programme (March–October 2023) provided free BMX sessions for young people from:

• Local schools
• Youth groups
• Community organisations

Sessions included coaching, bike hire, and park access at no cost.

Impact:

• Increased youth engagement in sport
• Development of coaching staff
• Stronger community connections
• Continued participation beyond sessions

Additional Support Needs (ASN) Programme

A 36-week initiative delivered tailored BMX sessions for pupils aged 12–16 with additional support needs.

Key Outcomes:

• Participants gained confidence and independence
• Many learned to ride a bike for the first time
• Strong relationships built with local schools
• Safe, supportive, and inclusive environment created

Girls’ Participation Growth

The weekly club supported participants from the UCI Girls BMX programme, encouraging ongoing engagement and progression in the sport.

Result:

• Increased female participation
• Continued involvement beyond initial programmes
• Stronger pathway for long-term engagement

Events & Community Engagement

UCI Cycling World Championships 2023

• Delivered BMX “come and try” sessions at Glasgow Green
• Introduced thousands of people to BMX
• Used new bike fleet on a public pump track
• Expanded visibility of BMX within the community

Facility & Equipment Improvements

Bike Fleet Expansion

• 10 new BMX bikes added:
  
  • 7 full-size (20”)
  • 2 youth (18”)
  • 1 oversized (24”)
• Investment in maintenance tools
• Staff trained in bike maintenance

Facility Upgrades

£3,500 invested in essential repairs, including:

• Resurfacing skatepark areas
• Replacing steel grind surfaces
• Structural improvements

Benefits:

• Improved safety and accessibility
• Better riding experience
• Reduced risk of accidents
• Enhanced versatility of the park

Coaching & Education

• Ongoing staff development in BMX coaching
• 8 staff scheduled for British Cycling instructor training
• Expanded capacity to deliver sessions
• Improved consistency and quality of coaching

Looking Ahead

The Loading Bay aims to:

• Expand ASN session availability
• Continue growing youth and female participation
• Strengthen community partnerships
• Increase access to BMX through ongoing programmes