Croydon could get its first BMX track and community club under proposals submitted for planning approval.

The council wants to build the borough’s first BMX track next to the sports pavilion in Norbury Park. Built by British Cycling-approved contractors and funded from developer contributions to local projects, the track would open in the New Year if it gets planning permission.

The track would be home to Croydon BMX, a new volunteer-led community BMX club for people of all ages and abilities, including toddlers and the disabled.

Schools and community groups would be able to use the facility in daylight hours during the week, with club sessions at weekends.

The group behind the idea is Access Sport, which supports BMX clubs and tracks across 14 other London boroughs. Access Sport’s BMX Legacy Programme was set up as a legacy of the 2012 Olympics and the charity plans to offer introductory sessions and coaching training for all local people through the new Croydon BMX club.

If the plans are approved, Croydon BMX will be supplied with all the necessary equipment including bikes, helmets, gloves and pads, which qualified local coaches will use in the community sessions.

Cllr-Godfrey“Croydon has London’s youngest population, so if this goes ahead it will provide a safe, healthy and fun new community facility for young people in particular.

“Access Sport has worked with almost half the capital’s boroughs and helped cut antisocial behaviour in the process, and it’s important that such an experienced provider is on board to make this project a success.”

Councillor Timothy Godfrey, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport

For more on the Norbury Park planning application, visit: http://tinyurl.com/pm5shbt

For more on the BMX Legacy Programme, contact Access Sport on 020 7993 988, email bmx@accesssport.org.uk or visit www.accesssport.org.uk

Notes to Editors

In February 2011 Access Sport received the support of the Olympic host boroughs, the Greater London Authority and British Cycling to launch the BMX Legacy Programme. By 2016, Access Sport will have engaged over 17,000 young people to get into cycling.