Ipswich BMX success backs national call to double government investment in cycling facilities
Campaigners are now asking ministers to commit £30 million to a second phase of funding.
A project in Ipswich is being highlighted as part of a national campaign urging the government to double investment in community cycling facilities, after new analysis showed the first phase delivered significant health and social benefits.
The call follows the success of the Places to Ride programme, run by British Cycling in partnership with Sport England and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. Campaigners are now asking ministers to commit £30 million to a second phase of funding.
In Ipswich, Places to Ride funding helped transform Ipswich BMX Club at Landseer Park into a major community hub. The project supported the redevelopment of the club’s facilities, helping to dramatically increase participation in an area ranked among the 30% most deprived in England.
Project data estimates the £338,000 build, including £141,000 from Places to Ride, has generated around £1.4 million in social value for the region.
By its fourth year, the club is expected to support over 8,600 participants, up from just 155 in its inaugural year. The growth includes a significant increase in under-18s, a notable rise in girls taking part, and work with children with autism in a structured environment designed to support both physical activity and wellbeing.
More than just a club
Tracey Reeve, Secretary and funding lead at Ipswich BMX Club, said the organisation is run entirely by volunteers.
“As a volunteer, as all of our members are that support and help, we freely give up our time to do this because it’s such a good cause,” she said.
Ms Reeve said she got involved when her grandchildren took an interest in the sport, but now it's become something she's incredibly passionate about.
Tracey Reeve said the club offers far more than sport, providing a sense of belonging and support for people who might otherwise feel isolated. She said being part of the BMX community helps children, young people and adults feel included and valued, particularly those who may face additional barriers. “People can be very excluded if they are in that position,” she said, adding that the club is determined to encourage everyone to feel welcome, whether they are disabled, walking, watching or riding.
She said the atmosphere created by volunteers and members helps people feel connected, supported and part of something positive, which in turn has clear benefits for confidence, wellbeing and mental health.
What changes they would make
Ipswich BMX Club is also one of very few BMX charities in the UK and says further investment would help make the site more accessible.
She said future plans include replacing parts of the existing track, installing an accessible tarmac strip to allow wheelchair users closer access, and creating additional facilities for spectators and riders.
“This will enable quite a few disabled people who are in wheelchairs to be able to access the track,” she said. “At the moment they can’t even get close to trackside… people can be very excluded if they’re in that position, and we want to encourage them down.”
The club also hopes longer-term improvements could allow it to host national BMX events again, bringing visitors and economic benefits to the area.
“We would love to bring it back, which would help the local economy; it would be incredible,” she said.
More about 'Places to Ride'
Nationally, Places to Ride is Britain’s largest ever investment in community cycling facilities. Since launching in 2019, the programme has funded more than 150 projects and brought cycling opportunities to over half a million people.
Independent analysis of the first phase suggests it delivered £13.1 million in NHS savings in England, through reduced GP appointments and A&E attendances, alongside wider benefits linked to social prescribing.
British Cycling says a second £30 million phase could deliver more than 250 new or upgraded facilities, with a focus on inclusion and underserved communities. It says the investment would also unlock significant match funding from councils, charities and local partners.
The organisation is urging members of the public to write to their MPs in support of the campaign.
More information about Ipswich BMX Club and its work at Landseer Park can be found through the club’s official channels.