Building BMX tracks for youngsters

BMX is an ideal sport for youngsters

Communities across the UK are facing a simple but serious problem: young people, especially teenagers, have nowhere to go and nothing to do. Surveys repeatedly show the same frustration. In rural areas, young people often say the lack of local recreational facilities is their biggest concern. Many share the same complaint: "There is nothing to do around here."

When young people have nowhere to go, they gather on street corners and in public spaces, making boredom a breeding ground for tension and misunderstandings. What adults see as a nuisance can easily erode trust between generations. Yet, your community can change this now. Building a community BMX or pump track isn’t just possible; it is a straightforward and affordable solution with proven impact. We show why investing in youth spaces like these is an urgent, smart move for every community.⁠

The gap in youth play provision

Local authorities in the UK invest heavily in recreational facilities, but most of this funding goes to traditional sports like football, tennis, and cricket—leaving behind the very activities teenagers actually want, such as skateboarding and BMX biking. Ignoring these interests risks losing young people’s engagement and trust. Now is the time to redirect funding and attention to facilities that teens genuinely value.

Research from the former Rural Development Commission found that over half of rural parishes have play areas for children under ten, costing about £25,000 each. But in those same places, there is very little for teenagers. This doesn't make sense, since rural areas usually have as many teenagers as young children. Closing rural schools and selling off school playing fields has made things worse, taking away some of the last places where young people could meet, play, and socialise without having to travel far on unreliable public transport.⁠

BMX is more affordable than you think

Many believe BMX facilities break the budget, but this is a misconception. For far less than a typical children's play area, your community can build a vibrant pump track or skate space—all while reducing long-term maintenance costs. Savvy communities use the expertise of experienced BMX track builders like Clark & Kent to achieve outstanding, cost-efficient results. Seize this opportunity to make your resources work harder and bring youth facilities to life.

Work with a specialist contractor who knows how to design a track that is safe, fun, and fits your space. Good communication helps them understand your needs, schedule, and budget. This way, you work together throughout the project. An experienced contractor ensures the track meets safety standards, including barriers, emergency access, safety features, and clear signs. Getting details right from the start avoids expensive changes later and ensures the track is ready for riders on day one.⁠

Small spaces can have a big impact

When people hear "BMX track," they might picture huge competition venues or Olympic-level facilities. But for youth BMX tracks in rural areas or small towns, the size needed is much smaller than most expect. A pump track for beginners and intermediate riders can fit into a space about the size of two tennis courts. For example, South Tyneside Council plans to turn four unused tennis courts in West Park, South Shields, into a facility with a large tarmac pump track, a rumble area, and a toddler section. This shows how existing, unused spaces can be transformed without buying expensive new land.

Pump tracks work for small-wheeled children's bikes, scooters, BMX bikes, and mountain bikes. They can be enjoyed by both children and adults, so a good location can serve people of all ages and abilities. For example, the Harrow Pump Track has a green loop for beginners, a blue loop for intermediate riders, and a red loop for experienced cyclists, all in one compact space. With the right design and a contractor who understands BMX, you can get the most out of any available space.⁠

Health, well-being, and youth activities

The health case for building BMX tracks for youth is too strong to ignore. Health professionals warn about rising obesity, anxiety, and depression as teenagers stay indoors. By providing a fun, engaging, and active alternative—BMX and pump tracks—your community can tackle these serious issues head-on. Offer teenagers what truly draws them outdoors and watch health and happiness rise.

British Cycling recognises that BMX facilities, including freestyle, pump tracks, and race tracks, offer many opportunities for young people and has invested heavily in them. BMX is a sport that builds balance, coordination, strength, and spatial awareness, giving a full workout while also boosting confidence and resilience. It also helps mental health. Riding with others, learning new skills at your own pace, and being part of a community all support positive mental well-being in young people.⁠

Pump track benefits for the community

There is clear evidence that boredom among youth often leads to low-level antisocial behaviour. Police across the country say that younger people are increasingly involved in minor problems, often because there are not enough positive activities nearby. A community BMX track addresses this issue by providing young people with a safe, exciting place to spend their time.

This idea has already worked in practice. In Snodland, Kent, a new £88,000 BMX pump track was built to deter anti-social riding and opened to the public immediately, free for all ages and abilities. The project was funded by a British Cycling grant, council money, and local partners, showing that building a BMX track on a budget is possible when people work together. In Bury St Edmunds, young riders aged 10 to 25 formed a committee, helped design the track, and raised money with the council, creating a sense of ownership that has kept the facility successful.⁠

Where to start with BMX track funding

Figuring out how to pay for a BMX track is often the first challenge for communities, but there are more options than many people think. British Cycling's Places to Ride fund invested £3.6 million in BMX facilities across England, from big race and freestyle parks to community pump tracks and equipment grants for schools, clubs, and groups. Although this fund is now closed to new applications, it shows there is strong national support and many organisations willing to help.

Other ways to get funding include Sport England's community grants, the National Lottery Community Fund, local council budgets, and sponsorship from local businesses. The UK Government's Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme is investing over £420 million from 2021 to 2026 to improve community sports facilities. While it mainly supports pitch sports, it shows there is wider support for grassroots physical activity. If your community is near a landfill site, the Biffa Award scheme can fund recreational and community projects. The best approach is to have a clear project plan, a set budget, and proof of community support. A good BMX track builder can help you with these steps from the start.⁠

A low-cost investment in young people

There is strong evidence and common sense supporting investment in BMX and pump tracks for young people. Communities benefit from healthier, more active teenagers, reduced tension between young people and older residents, and a shared space that brings people of all ages together. All of this comes at a cost that is often lower than that of other types of youth facilities.

The real question is not whether communities can afford to build BMX tracks for young people, but whether they can afford not to, given all the proven benefits for health, well-being, and community relations. If your community wants to make a lasting difference, take the first step today: reach out to an experienced BMX track builder like Clark & Kent for guidance on design, costs, planning, and funding. Act now. A well-built track in the right place, designed for young riders, can transform your community for the better.

More on track building

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 BMX track build guidelines
 Standards for BMX tracks