On the 24th of March Scottish BMX School’s Reece Thomson & Erin Finnigan were asked onto the regional Glasgow STV news to talk about how we have been rewarded funding from the commonwealth games to deliver BMX events during the summer of 2026.
With our funding we plan to run two events at Riverside museum with Erin taking the lead on one of these events. Erin’s event will have a focus on female cycling while also teaching core BMX tricks.
Scottish BMX School being part of the Commonwealth Games is a huge milestone & a signal that the mainstream & sporting as a whole recognises BMX for its positive impact. Mainly teaching young people resilience & getting them outdoors.
Our BMX events will be a great way to activate city & audience participation at the Games through our interactive & dynamic BMX lessons & events.
The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Festival is all about creating opportunities for communities to get involved in sport and culture in a way that feels accessible and inclusive.
That’s exactly what we do.
Our approach to BMX coaching in Scotland has always been about making the sport approachable. You don’t need a skatepark, you don’t need experience, and you definitely don’t need to be fearless. You just need the right environment and the right guidance.
Being selected for this funding means that BMX is being recognised as a valuable way to:
- Increase participation in cycling
- Engage underrepresented groups
- Create visible, inclusive sporting experiences in public spaces
Our focus has always been on creating environments where anyone can get involved, regardless of their experience, confidence level, or background. This funding allows us to expand that approach and work more closely with local communities, making sure the sessions feel relevant, supportive, and open from the moment people arrive.
We’ll be working alongside local partners including Women on Wheels and Sunny Cycles to help us reach people who may not usually engage with BMX or cycling. That includes women and non-binary riders, disabled cyclists, and individuals who may not have previously seen cycling as something for them. These partnerships are key to what we’re doing, as they allow us to connect with communities in a way that is genuine and well-supported.
This isn’t about putting on a performance or creating something that people only watch from the outside. The aim is to give people a real opportunity to take part, try something new, and build confidence through BMX in a way that feels achievable.
BMX That Works in Real Life
One of the reasons BMX works so well in this setting is because it’s practical and transferable. The skills we teach are not limited to a skatepark or a specific environment. They are skills that can be used anywhere.
Learning balance, control, and awareness on a BMX translates directly into everyday cycling. Whether it’s riding at home, on a driveway, along a street, or simply feeling more confident on a bike, these are skills that stay with you.
You don’t need access to specialist facilities to enjoy BMX. That’s what makes it such a strong entry point into cycling. It’s simple, adaptable, and something people can take with them beyond the session itself, which is exactly what we want to achieve through this project.
If you would like to learn more about our events with the Commonwealth Games or get in touch about your own event please use the form below.