Brand New Glasgow BMX Centre Opens
The opening of the BMX Centre also means Glasgow is now the only city in the world capable of hosting all four Olympic cycling discipline events (BMX, Mountain Bike, Road and Track) within the city boundary. The others are the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome at Emirates Arena, Cathkin Braes Mountain Bike Trails and the city's streets.
The facility, which was funded by Glasgow City Council, sportscotland, Glasgow 2018, and HSBC/British Cycling, is now open for use by local communities and clubs – ensuring a lasting legacy for young talented athletes and BMX newcomers alike.
As part of the construction of the site, Glasgow City Council also carried out work to create and improve cycle links to and from the venue.
The main track accommodates riders of all ages and abilities, and features two start ramps (5 metres and 8 metres) for advanced riders and competition use. Glasgow Life will manage the facility on behalf of Glasgow City Council, and riders can rent all the required equipment on site, including bikes, helmets and other protective gear – either by item or as a package.
For first-timers, a coached induction session is required which will introduce riders to basic BMX skills, as well as track use and etiquette.
A smaller, free-to-use and fully floodlit pump track is also located in the venue and can be used by riders for any non-motorised wheeled activity including bikes, skateboards and scooters.
Councillor David McDonald, Depute Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of Glasgow Life, said: “The opening of the Glasgow BMX Centre is huge for our city. We are now one of only two cities in the United Kingdom with a world-class and Olympic-standard BMX facility – as well as the only city capable of hosting all four Olympic cycling disciplines within the city boundary.
“This world-class venue has already hosted the BMX competition for the 2018 European Championships, and it will play a large role in the upcoming inaugural UCI World Championships in 2023 which our city was awarded earlier this month, celebrating an exciting new chapter in Glasgow’s long and illustrious sporting history.
“However, the real change will be seen and felt at a local level. As well as hosting major events, the Glasgow BMX Centre will be open for community use, helping inspire a new wave of young cyclists to take up the sport, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.”
Joe FitzPatrick MSP, Minister for Public Health, Sport and Wellbeing, said: “I am delighted to open the BMX Centre in Glasgow today.
“This world-class facility will build on the success of the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and the Cathkin Braes Mountain Bike Trails, enabling top athletes to compete in their discipline of choice and encouraging grass-roots riders of all ages and abilities to get involved in this great sport.
“Glasgow can now boast that they are the only city in the world capable of hosting all Olympic cycling disciplines within the city boundary and one of only two world-class 8m drop BMX tracks in the UK.
“I am delighted that this centre will help us to further enhance our reputation as a world class venue for international sporting events.”
Mel Young MBE, Chair of sportscotland, said: “The BMX Centre in Knightswood marks the delivery of another significant sports facility for Scotland and we are delighted to have played our part in bringing this project to life.
“This centre will not only allow Scotland to attract more major sporting events, but will also have a significant role to play in developing this exciting sport. By providing entry-level access to beginners alongside top athletes honing their skills on world-class tracks, a new generation will be inspired. Most importantly, it will be an asset to the local community.”