In this guide
- What it is: The British Cycling membership and licence that get you onto a BMX start gate.
- What you need first: A taster or two (see how to start BMX), then join British Cycling as a Core or Premium member. Both include a provisional race licence.
- How long it takes: Licences run January to December, because of UCI rules.
- Cost: British Cycling lists Core membership at £52 a year and Premium at £82. A full race licence is £40 for seniors (18+), £20 for juniors (16 to 18) and no charge for under-16s, at half price from 1 July (checked October 2026).
- What's next: Racing track: regional racing, then the National Series. Freestyle track: BMX freestyle. Coaching track: Introduction to Coaching.
Provisional or full?
British Cycling says the provisional licence that comes with membership is enough for most BMX races.
- Provisional licence: accepted at Regional A, Regional B and Go-Race events.
- Full licence: needed for national and international events.
Race on a provisional licence and you don't earn licence or ranking points, so you need a full licence to score in any national or regional rankings.
Getting a full licence
Add one on the "optional extras" page when you join. Already a member? Email British Cycling's membership team at membership@britishcycling.org.uk to add it.
Starting young: Go-Ride
Go-Ride registered clubs run coached sessions and friendly competition for children, always in traffic-free places, and BMX racing and BMX freestyle are both on the menu. British Cycling says most of the Great Britain Cycling Team's biggest stars started at a Go-Ride club.
Most active BMX clubs run taster and skills sessions at their local track, and many hire out a bike, helmet and protective kit, so you can try before you buy. Bikes come with frames as small as 12 inches for tiny riders, and British Cycling says the masters age group is more popular than ever.
Insurance
Core and Premium membership include third-party liability insurance for riding and competing, which British Cycling gives as £20 million cover, plus legal support after an accident. Premium adds personal accident cover.
Source: Cycle racing licence requirements, Race and Membership, How to get into BMX and Go-Ride, British Cycling; 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.
