BMX riders rally to protect arson-hit track

BMX riders and their parents have called on the local community to help protect their track after arson attacks and other anti-social behaviour.

BMX Rotherham has been a "lifeline" for young people for more than 20 years, campaigners say, but recent vandalism and damage by off-road bikers have raised concerns for the safety of riders.

The club is now raising funds to install security fences and hopes to raise awareness about the positive impact of the facility on local young people.

Founder Carole Foster said: "They don't realise we're a voluntary-run organisation that maintain this, not the council or a private organisation with unlimited money."

Foster created the track 24 years ago as somewhere safe for her own children to ride.

"The council said if you can raise the money you can build one," she said.

The mum-of-two managed to raise £40,000 through local parents and businesses.

"I actually grew up in this area and at 10 I lost my dad which is why I wanted to give young people and lots of children opportunities that I needed when I was that age," she said.

Today the track on Little Common Lane has the dimensions to be recognised by British Cycling as a national standard BMX track.

But the high quality of the track has done little to deter vandals.

Foster said: "We had a number of incidents with wheelie bins being set on fire on the tarmac berm which cost £20,000 to put in."

Paddy Baker, 53, has returned to BMX riding after enjoying it in his teens.

He said: "It's very disrespectful.

"What we're trying to do here is offer an inclusive safe space for people to come and ride their bikes and be outdoors.

"These are nice kids that use this space so it's not fair.

"We're all just volunteers that come and do the work to rectify the issues.

"It's a massive impact for us as a club."

Another challenge has been trying to stop illegal electric bike riders from accessing the facility and "churning up" the track.

Josh West first came aged four and went on to race at an international level.

Now 32, he helps organise events and works for a cycling company.

"I've seen kids come on these electric bikes and completely ruin all the surface and create dangerous ruts," he said.

"The dolomite track isn't meant for those bikes, they've got high torque and chunky tyres and their wheels can really spin because they're meant to be off-road.

"We want all the community in here, but we want the community to respect it, look after it and see the positive side of it and what we can actually do for all these kids and their lives."

Former competitive rider Gary Bailey said the track had "100% changed my trajectory in life".

He said: "I would have gone down a path of drugs, alcohol, all that kind of stuff, I'd be unemployed."

Now 37 and an electrician, Bailey, from Goldthorpe, said he "loved two wheels" from an early age but "hated school".

"Bikes were really my only sort of outlet," he said.

Foster is hoping to raise £50,000 to install security features including a fence around the perimeter to "stop the vehicles from getting on" and "make it safer for children and young people".

She had a message to anyone thinking of causing more damage.

"Please just stop and think.

"Get off a motorbike, come down, we'll lend you a bike, we'll lend you a helmet.

"We've got children that are riding regionals, nationals, Europeans, we can progress you to Olympic level.

"This is your track too".

South Yorkshire Police said: "We received reports of anti-social behaviour taking place at the BMX track.

"It was reported that between 1 and 2 May unknown youths had taken wheelie bins onto the site which were later set on fire, causing damage.

"Officers attended, and after carrying out inquiries, spoke to three boys who admitted to stealing wheelie bins.

"The boys will be dealt with via a restorative justice outcome.

"We will continue to incorporate the location into our patrols in the coming weeks to provide reassurance and to deter further anti-social behaviour."

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