Colo Heights Primary School in Hawkesbury launched a new modified BMX track in September 2012, for school children participating in the Active After-school Communities (AASC) program, thanks to huge support from local community groups and businesses.

Parents of the school assisted in the project, helping to develop and build the modified BMX track, including coordinator of the initiative, former Olympian and community coach for the AASC program at Colo Heights Primary School, Luke Madill. Local businesses and manufacturers also supplied the materials and tools to get the job done as part of a tremendous team effort. 

’It always meant a lot to me growing up when pro BMX riders would come over and talk to me about the sport. I am enjoying my time in the AASC program and being able to offer the same benefit in the Hawkesbury community,’ Madill said.

The new BMX track has enabled kids to hone their cycling skills and learn some tricks as part of a popular sport which is taking off in the local community.

One student who could not ride a bike prior to this program, is now a capable rider and much more confident in other activities as well. 

BMX riding skills are being taught through the AASC program at Colo Heights Primary School which began in 2011 due to popular demand.

In February 2011, Regional Coordinator for the AASC program, Rebecca Webb, met with the students at the school to discuss what AASC sports activities they would like to participate in. BMX and mountain biking were by far their most popular choices. 

’It was something the kids really wanted and something they had never had before. I couldn’t just ignore that,’ Webb said.

In response, the principal of Colo Heights Primary School at the time, Mr Glen Leaf, indicated that he was enthusiastic in launching the program. Due to the remote location of the site, Leaf and Webb felt it was essential for the program to focus on bike safety and to include both cycling disciplines.

The school has been offering BMX and mountain biking on a regular basis since the first pilot program was launched in Term 4, 2011.

Due to the strong interest in the program from both the children and their parents, Leaf and Webb have taken the pathways action plan one step further by giving the children the ultimate experience of riding on a BMX track.

Extensive planning went into establishing this BMX program, including coordinating the purchase of new bikes through a Special Initiatives Grant (SIG). One parent has even begun planning the construction of a bike shed which will house the new BMX bikes.

Two students from Colo Heights have also taken on the roles as the school’s ‘mechanic’ and ‘assistant mechanic’. These children will help to keep the bikes in a good condition for the students.
A SIG also helped to fund the school’s inaugural Hawkesbury ‘track active day’ and this event led to the planning and development of the Colo Heights modified BMX track which was completed in September this year. 

In addition, Leaf helped to promote the program through the school’s newsletter and to minimise inconvenience for parents by providing the option for their kids to leave their bikes onsite and in a secure location.