New to BMX?
Getting Started
If you can ride a bike, you can do BMX. Here's everything you need to know before your first session at Runnymede Rockets.
Not sure whether to go 20" or 24" Cruiser? Both are great formats — read our guidance for older riders further down this page.
Your first 5 steps
Check your ability level
If you can ride a bike confidently, you're ready. BMX is for all ages and abilities — there's no minimum age, and adults are just as welcome as kids.
Find your coaching group
Read the coaching group guide to see which group suits you. Group 1 is for beginners who can complete a lap of the track. Not sure? Come along and our coaches will place you correctly.
View coaching groups →Book your session online
All sessions are pre-book only and payable at the time of booking. Head to our events page to find and book an upcoming Group 1 session or Open Gates.
Book a session →Arrive 15 minutes early
Turn up early for sign-in and equipment setup. We'll get you kitted out, show you the track, and introduce you to the coaches.
Join British Cycling
To race competitively you'll need a British Cycling membership. For casual coaching sessions it's not required, but we recommend joining once you're hooked.
Join via British Cycling →What to bring
Don't have BMX gear yet? No problem — we have hire bikes and helmets available at every session for just £1 each.
Bike
Race BMX in 20" or Cruiser size — or hire one from us for £1
Full-face helmet
Mandatory. We have hire helmets available for £1
Gloves
Mandatory — required at all sessions for grip and hand protection
Knee & elbow pads
Recommended, especially for beginners
Comfortable clothing
Shorts or trousers in durable material, and trainers
British Cycling Rule — Clipless Pedals: Riders Under 13 Are Not Permitted to Use Clipless Pedals
This applies at all British Cycling sanctioned BMX events including club, regional and national races. Riders aged 13 and over may use clipless pedals. Always check the current British Cycling BMX Racing Rules before competing as regulations can change between seasons.
Guidance for Older Riders
Starting BMX as a Teenager or Adult
20" or 24" Cruiser — both are great choices.
BMX racing has two wheel sizes: the standard 20" and the 24" Cruiser. Both are fully valid, race-ready formats with their own categories at club, regional, and national level. The right choice comes down to personal preference, what feels comfortable, and what you enjoy riding.
That said, the 20" is where the roots of the sport lie — it has the deepest history, the widest range of age categories, and is what most club coaching is built around. If you're undecided, it's a natural place to start, and many riders who begin on 20" later add Cruiser as a second class once they're comfortable racing.
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20" has the most age categories
From Micro Mini right through to adult, 20" covers the widest range of age and ability categories in club, regional, and national racing.
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Both formats race competitively
Club races, regional rounds, and national events have categories for both 20" and Cruiser. You can race either — or both.
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Height is no barrier to 20"
Taller adults ride 20" at the highest levels of the sport. Frame size, bar height, and stem length are adjusted for any rider.
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Many riders do both
Racing 20" and Cruiser in the same event is common at all levels. There's no reason you can't enjoy both formats once you're up and running.
Not sure which size suits you? Come along to a session and talk to one of our coaches — they can help you figure out what works best for you. You can also use our gear calculator to compare setups before you buy.