Hackney’s BMXers riding high after scooping Club of the Year award

The club runs sessions close to Hackney City Farm. Photograph: Hackney BMX

Members of Hackney BMX Club are “ecstatic” after it scooped a UK-wide award – and with it a £1,000 prize to help it grow.

The Club of the Year award, bestowed by specialist cycling insurer Bikmo, is intended to reward the hard work of local cycling clubs and invest in the sport at a grassroots level.

Hackney BMX came out on top after impressing with its dedicated team of volunteers and its track record of providing equipment for schools, encouraging riders to compete nationally, and holding sessions for people with disabilities.

Club member Stephen Downs said: “We were ecstatic that we won. The money will be used to deliver BMX sessions during school time to another local school of children who haven’t tried BMX, hire a full size race track for pre-regional training for our club racers, and the rest put towards the maintenance of our fleet of bikes and equipment that is used both by ourselves and other organisations getting people on bikes.”

Riders are encouraged to take part in competitions. Photograph: Hackney BMX

The club said the money will “secure its future and enable it to grow”.

Applicants for the award had to explain how they would use the funding, including how they would develop and widen the diversity of their membership, how they would engage with the local community, and how they would raise their profile.

British Cycling said: “Hackney BMX’s work with cyclists of all abilities and backgrounds – from first timers to national champions – really is something to celebrate and demonstrates the power of club volunteers and cycling in providing positive experiences for all involved.”

David George, CEO of Bikmo, added: ‘’The work that the club does to make BMX accessible to all is commendable, and this award is testament to the hard work of their community of riders and volunteers.

‘’I know that everyone at Bikmo is looking forward to seeing the club continue to thrive.’’