The new BMX freestyle facility at University of Canberra Stromlo Forest is hosting its first event: the ACT Jam 2023, running this weekend from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 November.

AusCycling, the national sporting organisation for cycling, describes the event, now in its 10th year, as one of the biggest BMX events in the world.

The track, designed by the Freestyle ACT BMX Club, caters to the needs both of beginners entering the sport, and of elite level riders. It features seven elite jumps and a progressive jump line with 10 rolls and jumps.

“I’m ecstatic to see Freestyle BMX be catered to with such a high quality BMX facility,” Tyson Jones-Peni, the club’s president, said. “Off-road cycling tends to start with riding a BMX bike, jumping dirt jumps. 

“The bike control you learn from Freestyle BMX riding is hard to replicate on any other bike, and with a facility like this, we can expect to see the next generation of BMX rippers come out of Canberra. 

“The skills being showcased by the riders at ACT Jam will cement BMX as the backbone of cycling sports. 

“BMX riding style and tricks sets trends for the rest of the cycling world to follow in years to come – even local legends like Caroline Buchanan and Mike Ross cut their teeth riding BMX and have prolonged their cycling careers by transferring their BMX skills to other bikes.”

“Canberrans love riding bikes – we have the highest participation rate in the country,” Nick Hannan, executive general manager of AusCycling, said. “And with amazing facilities like we have here at UC Stromlo Forest Park, it’s not hard to see why.

“These new dirt jumps will give local BMX and mountain bike riders the chance to develop their skills, and for clubs to host major events like ACT Jam.

“Around 16,000 Canberrans rode a mountain bike in the last year. What’s really exciting is that participation among women and girls has gone up more than 180 per cent over the last five years.”

“This investment in a purpose-built BMX freestyle facility gives riders a place to call their own,” said Chris Steel, Special Minister of State.

“The facility will encourage further participation into an already popular sport, and I’m thrilled that it has been completed in time for the ACT Jam 2023 event.”

“BMX is an inclusive sport that attracts diverse riders of all ages,” Yvette Berry, ACT Minister for Sport and Recreation, said. “It is also an increasing popular sport, and one that we hope families can enjoy together.

“Investing in a facility such as this supports the government’s ambition to get all Canberrans moving more, with better grass roots sporting infrastructure in the picturesque environment at Stromlo.

“We will continue to maintain and upgrade various sporting facilities across the ACT over time to ensure they meet the needs of our growing population.”

Mr Steel said the BMX project was another step towards the vision of the University of Canberra Stromlo Park Master Plan. The government will work with stakeholders at Stromlo Forest Park to ensure it meets the community’s needs.

2023 ACT Jam:

• Friday 10 November: Belconnen skatepark 5pm – 7pm – Come and Ride (Free Entry)
• Saturday 11 November: Stromlo Forest Park 2pm – sunset
• Sunday 12 November: Stromlo Forest Park 2pm – sunset
• Sunday 12 November: Video Competition Premiere, Stromlo Forest Park, 8pm start

The ACT Jam is sponsored by Boost Mobile.