— New Rider Guide

Getting started

New riders don't just turn up — email us first at Demo@Demo.com to arrange to come down to a Monday night coaching session. This first session is free — it's where you'll learn track etiquette, core skills, and the safety rules that keep you and everyone else on the track safe.

Hire bikes & helmets

Don't have your own BMX or helmet yet? The club has hire bikes and helmets available so you can get started straight away. Your first 4 sessions of hire equipment are free — after that, hire costs £3 per bike and £2 per helmet, per session.

What to wear

For regular coaching and Open Gate sessions, riders need full legs and arms covered (long sleeves and trousers/leggings), gloves, and a full-face helmet. This is for safety on the track and applies to every rider, every session.

Joining the club

Had a taster session and loved it? The next step is becoming a British Cycling Primary Club Member — this is required for regular coaching sessions. Once you're a member, you can book coaching and Open Gate sessions directly through the club site.

Membership year & renewal

Club membership runs to a single shared year for everyone, renewing on 28 February — whatever date you originally joined.

There's a bonus if you join later in the year: once our annual club awards event has taken place, any membership taken out from that point runs through to the following February rather than the one just ahead. In practice that means new members joining after the awards get those remaining months free on top of their first full year.

What happens in a coaching session

Riders are grouped by age and ability, with qualified coaches guiding skills progressively — from basic bike control to gate starts and race lines. Everyone progresses at their own pace, and our coaches are experienced in supporting riders of all abilities, including neurodiverse riders and those on the autistic spectrum.

Open Gate practice

Open Gate sessions (Thursday and Saturday) are less structured practice time on the track. These aren't for total beginners — once your coaches are happy with your track etiquette and safety understanding from Monday coaching, you'll be able to attend. A full-face helmet is mandatory, same as coaching.

Racing

Demo BMX Club is about getting riders racing, not just attending sessions — coaching and Open Gate practice are there to build you up towards it, and racing is very much the goal, not an optional extra. Pocket Rocket Racing for younger/newer riders needs no booking, while Club and Regional Racing may need entry through British Cycling. Check each event's details for exactly what's needed.

Safeguarding & welfare

Our safeguarding lead is Bob Wealfare. Please don't hesitate to speak to any coach or session lead with any concerns at all.

Any questions?

Speak to any coach at a session, or email Demo@Demo.com — we're always happy to help new families settle in.