The new BMX freestyle facility at University of Canberra Stromlo Forest is ready to host its first event, the ACT Jam 2023.
The track is designed by the Freestyle ACT BMX Club and caters to the needs of beginners entering the sport, right through to elite level riders. It provides a new place for the community to meet and for the hosting of BMX freestyle events.
“This investment in a purpose-built BMX freestyle facility gives riders a place to call their own and offers seven elite jumps and a progressive jump line with 10 rolls and jumps catering for beginners to intermediate levels,” said Special Minister of State Chris Steel.
“The facility will encourage further participation into an already popular sport, and I’m thrilled that it has been completed in time for the ACT Jam 2023 event.
“The BMX project is another step towards the vision of the University of Canberra Stromlo Park Master Plan.
“We will continue to work with stakeholders at Stromlo Forest Park to ensure it continues to meet the needs of the community.”
“BMX is an inclusive sport that attracts diverse riders of all ages. It is also an increasing popular sport, and one that we hope families can enjoy together,” said Minister for Sport and Recreation Yvette Berry.
“Investing in a facility such as this supports the government’s ambition to get all Canberrans moving more, with better grass roots sporting infrastructure in the picturesque environment at Stromlo.
“We will continue to maintain and upgrade various sporting facilities across the ACT over time to ensure they meet the needs of our growing population.”
President, Freestyle ACT BMX Club, Tyson Jones-Peni:
“I’m ecstatic to see Freestyle BMX be catered to with such a high quality BMX facility. Off-road cycling tends to start with riding a BMX bike, jumping dirt jumps.
“The bike control you learn from Freestyle BMX riding is hard to replicate on any other bike and with a facility like this, we can expect to see the next generation of BMX rippers come out of Canberra.
“The skills being showcased by the riders at ACT Jam will cement BMX as the backbone of cycling sports.
“BMX riding style and tricks sets trends for the rest of the cycling world to follow in years to come – even local legends like Caroline Buchanan and Mike Ross cut their teeth riding BMX and have prolonged their cycling careers by transferring their BMX skills to other bikes.”
Executive General Manager, AusCycling, Nick Hannan:
“Canberrans love riding bikes – we have the highest participation rate in the country. And with amazing facilities like we have here at UC Stromlo Forest Park, it’s not hard to see why.
“These new dirt jumps will give local BMX and mountain bike riders the chance to develop their skills, and for clubs to host major events like ACT Jam.
“Around 16,000 Canberrans rode a mountain bike in the last year. What’s really exciting is that participation among women and girls has gone up more than 180% over the last five years.
“Local riders like Caroline Buchanan and Harriet Burbidge-Smith are winning some of the biggest events in the world and inspiring the next generation back home to get on a bike.”
The ACT Jam is sponsored by Boost Mobile.
