Who are we?
Bath BMX Club is a not for profit, volunteer run organisation that has introduced and encouraged generations of riders to the Olympic sport of BMX racing. The Club develops and supports riders in local, regional, national and World competitions.
We believe that anyone who can ride a traditional bicycle can ride a BMX and as a Club we aim to remove as many barriers to participation as possible. BMX is a true grass roots sport, cheaper than road cycling, cheaper than motocross yet it has the same increased fitness levels both physical and mental. BMX gives the rider a sense of belonging, community involvement and the potential to challenge and stretch ones self to the limits.
Our values are Belief, Aspiration, Togetherness and Health and we believe in a growth mindset. We very much see ourselves as part of the community in Odd Down and always try and engage with non-club members using the track to see if they wish to join in with Club activities.
Bath BMX Club membership has grown over the years with recent improvements of the facilities. In 2024 the club had over 100 members many attending weekly training and open gate sessions from young children aged from 5 to the elite junior riders that range from 16 to 25 & over 40 Masters riders. 53% of the membership are under 14 years of age and over a third of the membership are female.
Why are we crowdfunding?
We are currently limited by the facilities and resources available. We have no running water, mains electricity, dry meeting space or welfare facilities and have a limited amount of equipment available to loan out to visitors. However, we have an inflight project, part funded by Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding, to improve the track and what it has to offer. The Club operates with three volunteer Coaches, all British Cycling qualified, who are able to offer regular coaching during weekdays to schools, community groups (such as Parent and Carers forums and Home Educators) through to Alternative Provision, although currently this is limited due to the lack of welfare facilities.
With no welfare facilities at the BMX Track, coaching and ride sessions can be impacted and a sense of session continuity is lost if the weather is inclement.
Sport England sees the value of this project and has pledged £5000 if we can raise the other £5000 with the help of 50 unique supporters through this Crowdfunder project.
How we’ll spend the money raised
The money raised will help the club purchase and install a 20ft x 8ft shipping container welfare cabin with toilet facilities including materials, labour and aggregate.
Community impact
Bath BMX Club is a key part of, and supports, the local Odd Down community and the wider City of Bath.
Bath BMX Club activities are run frequently throughout the year for members and non-members alike, with coaching on week-day evenings during the summer and Saturdays in the winter. These include:
Sessions for Club Members
Introductory Sessions for those new to the sport
Ladies-Only Sessions
Alternative Provision
Community Groups
The track is owned and operated by BANES Council. Bath BMX Club pay an annual licence fee to operate from the track and fees to hold race events with the Club's volunteers maintaining the track surface throughout the year.
In 2023 the Club invested 2,070 hours of volunteer time and effort keeping the track in a safe condition for all.
Having access to a community BMX track can provide essential opportunities for young people to have positive and safe social interactions. This addresses feelings of social isolation and fosters a sense of belonging and community.
The club continues to reach out to the whole of the City of Bath in order to attract more riders from the city and surrounding communities. Having a safe space that the Bath BMX welfare volunteers can use will enable outreach events for local schools and community groups to be organised in the future.
How you can play your part
There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.
1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!
2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.
3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!
4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!
We would like to thank the following supporters for offering rewards:
Bristol Solar Ltd
J Goscombe Electrical
Solar EV Charging Services Ltd