BMX riders on the Merton track

Merton Saints BMX Track

The Merton BMX track in London is a modern twist on an original 80s layout. The new track is designed and built by Clark & Kent Contractors at just under 400 metres in length and is classed as a national standard track BMX track within a regional-sized facility.

The Merton BMX track is the biggest within the M25 circle, so the catchment area for BMX bike riders is massive. It was built on behalf of Merton Council, and the BMX track build time was just nine weeks.

This U-shaped BMX track, within a standard track layout, incorporates a downhill first straight to increase the initial starting track speed for BMX riders. Clark & Kent Contractors installed a Bensink gate, spectator fencing, a complete floodlight system, officials' areas, a pens area for BMX bike riders and a storage container.

The Merton track has proved very popular in all respects, and Formula One driver Jenson Button chose it as the venue for a TV advertisement shot there in the summer of 2012. The club holds youth and adult sessions with evening riding under the floodlights. The club also offers taster sessions for those new to BMX racing with a two-hour introduction.

The track is home to Merton Saints BMX Club. Day camps are held regularly with supervised BMX activities for children throughout the day, but riders must be confident in BMX biking and have attended a taster course first. The club holds BMX pay-and-play sessions.

Merton Saints BMX Club in Mitcham is much praised for its welcoming atmosphere for beginners and experienced riders. The club was founded in 2011, and experienced riders compete in competitions across the UK and even European and World championship races.

They have British Cycling qualified coaches to help riders of all ages and welcome beginners to sessions at Merton Saints BMX track behind St. Mark's School in Mitcham. All-comers are welcome and new riders can be kitted out with club bikes and protective gear. Riders get some free coaching before their introduction to the club. More details are available from the Merton Saints BMX Club, and you can see a YouTube video of the Merton BMX track in use.