BMX is one of the fastest growing sports in Australia and is one of the only sports where total family participation can take place. In the month of February, BMX Clubs right across Australia will hold a National Sign on Day giving the chance for any one in the community to come and try the thrill and excitement of BMX racing.

BMX is a fast and fun action sport with jumps and turns on a track that can be 300 to 400 metres in length. When riders become experienced in BMX they can launch down a fast start ramp, over jumps and fly around berms. The sport is fast and exciting and is great exercise for kids and adults.

National Sign on Day is all about experiencing the sport through riding and coaching clinics with many clubs being able to loan a BMX bike for the activities if you do not already have one.

BMX Australia President, Mr Barry Knight said the sport is going from strength to strength and is a great way to keep active and to make new friends.

“BMX is such a great sport for the family, you see mums and dads riding at events where their kids are too,” Mr Knight said.

“Clubs right across Australia do such a wonderful job in fostering the sport, and it’s from our clubs that we have been able to produce our World Champions and Olympic stars.

“There is such a great family atmosphere within BMX clubs and the sport as a whole. We have people who started BMX when they were young and are now introducing their children into the sport.”

BMX has played a significant role in the careers of many cyclists however with its own pathway to the highest sporting platform, the Olympics, riders no longer need to look elsewhere to achieve glory. Sam Willoughby and Caroline Buchanan both made the Olympic final in 2012 after years of riding and dreaming of success. Willoughby rode his way to a silver medal in the final, giving BMX Australia its first Olympic medal since its inclusion at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Both riders have won World Championships and are full time BMX athletes having participated in the sport from a young age.

No matter where BMX takes you, it is a fun action sport that you can enjoy while making friends and increasing your skills at the same time.

Events will take place over the following weekends:

• 8th-9th February 2014
• 15th-16th February 2014
• 22nd-23rd February 2014
• April-May 2014 (NT only)

For more information on National Sign on Day or to find a club near you, click here.