In this guide
- What you need first: Nothing. You need a licence to race, not to ride.
- What's next: Start with the beginner guide. Racing track: race licences and racing. Freestyle track: BMX freestyle. Coaching track: BMX coach.
Prices
- Private lesson or coaching: usually £32 to £60 an hour on our price list (checked October 2026).
- British Cycling membership: Core £52 a year, Premium £82.
- Full race licence: £40 senior (18+), £20 junior (16 to 18), no charge under 16, half price from 1 July.
- Coaching courses: Introduction to Coaching £305 (Race) or £280 (Freestyle); Coaching in Context £490 (Race) or £530 (Freestyle).
British Cycling's prices were checked in October 2026. It also says entry-level racing bikes are more affordable than many other bike types, and many clubs hire out bikes and kit for tasters.
Racing kit
British Cycling's list:
- a full-face helmet, compulsory in BMX racing;
- full-finger gloves, which aren't optional;
- long sleeves and covered legs, to save your skin in a tumble;
- knee and elbow pads, recommended.
Freestyle kit
British Cycling's freestyle coaching course asks for a freestyle BMX in a safe state of repair and a skate-style or full-face helmet, with at least a rear brake for beginner and novice riders.
Who's in charge
- England and Great Britain: British Cycling. Sport England lists BMX under cycling, and British Cycling runs the BMX National Series and Championships.
- Scotland: Scottish Cycling.
- Wales: Welsh Cycling.
- Northern Ireland: Cycling Ulster (Cycling Ireland).
That's from the sports councils' recognition list (September 2025), which puts BMX under cycling.
Watching and volunteering
Local and regional racing is usually open to watch at no charge, though bigger events sometimes charge. You can help out as a timekeeper, judge or scrutineer, and British Cycling runs volunteer courses.
Source: How to get into BMX, Introduction to Coaching BMX Race, Introduction to Coaching BMX Freestyle, Coaching in Context BMX Race, Coaching in Context BMX Freestyle, Membership and Race, British Cycling; National governing bodies, Sport England; Recognition master list, September 2025, Sport NI; Head injury and concussion, NHS; checked October 2026.
Governing body: British Cycling. It sets the UK safety standards and training awards for BMX, so it's the official place to find out more.
The club map lists some of the UK clubs for this sport. It is a starting point, so check with the club before you travel. To have a coach found for you, use the enquiry form.
