Shropshire protest over new age limit on BMX racing
Families gathered for a peaceful protest to oppose controversial changes which will affect the age at which youngsters can take part in national and international cycling events.
People took the opportunity to gather in protest at the move at the fifth round of the Midlands Regional Race, which took place at Wrekin Riders BMX Club in Dawley, Telford.
Cycling enthusiasts are upset at British Cycling's plans, which will mean BMX riders aged under 13 will no longer be able to race at national and international levels from 2017.
Jo Edwards, who has run Wrekin Riders BMX Club for the last four years with her husband Kieran, said: "I think it is awful and will ultimately kill the sport.
"The main aim of the sport is getting kids interested, making them passionate for something, keeping them off the streets, and keeping them active. It's not just sport, it's the social side of it. Kids make friendships. People might decide it's not worth them travelling hundreds of miles each month to take part in these events.
"The whole BMX community is united. We need to set up something." Kirsty Smallman, of Lawley, whose sons Eddie, five, and Archie, four, are big BMX fans,
said: "The sport allows them to make friends. They are competitors on the track and best friends off it.
"Competition is good. Children will no longer be rewarded for their passion and dedication.
"We believe it should be us, the parents, to decide."
At the announcement of the changes, Bob Howden, British Cycling president, said: "We recognise the huge importance of providing opportunities for young people to engage in cycling in a way which gives them the best possible experience of our sport.
"Across Britain, we want children and their parents to make a positive decision to choose cycling because it is fun and accessible, and also develop skills and passion for a sport which will help keep them active and healthy all their lives."
Yesterday's BMX event saw hundreds of riders, from as young as four years old up to men and women in the veterans category, visit Telford's £250,000 BMX track.
Among those taking part was Wrekin Riders BMX Club rider and Jo's son, Callum, 14, who is ranked number two in the UK.
Jo added: "The event has been fantastic.
"We have had 300 to 400 riders, and about 90 spectators.
"Not all were parents. Some just came off the street to look at what was going on."
