An Eastern Passage man is promoting the construction of the first BMX racing track in Nova Scotia.
Geoff Hoare, a BMX rider and sports enthusiast has started a campaign to let people know the area next to Tallahassee school would be the perfect site to build the track.
“This is a sport that anyone can do,” he said. “All you need is a bike and a helmet.”
With an organized group behind him Hoare has been able to spark some interest in a track and has even got a professional design already in the works.
But the tough part now is to catch the interest of people in HRM, said Hoare.
He grew up in the U.K. where he rode his bike from dusk until dawn, he said. And when he went searching for a BMX track in the area he was surprised to learn the nearest one was in Dieppe.
“We have Dirt Jump parks in HRM but not an official racing track,” he said. “ BMX racing is not an extreme sport, that is not what we are doing here.”
Hoare and his committee want to have a BMX club run the track. He said it will be run like any other sport.
“This would be a track where kids from two and up can race at their own level,” he said.” We would have lessons and staff there to assist anyone who wanted to give it a try.”
Organized races would also be on the agenda, but beginners would also be welcome.
Courtney Boutilier is working with Hoare to bring the track to Eastern Passage. She said what intrigued her is the fact BMX racing is an inexpensive sport that requires very little equipment , it promotes healthy living and it would be a boost to tourism.
“People would want to come here from all over to use this track,” she said. “And what better place to have it then in Eastern Passage.”
The track is traditionally 350 metres long. There is a starting hill, a straight away and a series of jumps designed for all riders.
Hoare says they will need a space of about 50 by 80 metres for the track.
Councillor Jackie Barkhouse , who represents the area said she contacted HRM staff to attend the meeting with the BMX track committee because she was impressed with the idea.
”After some research I came to the conclusion that a BMX Race Track on the Eastern Passage Common was definitely something I would support investigating,” she said.
Barkhouse said some communities fit very well into the realm of outdoor recreational facilities and this location would be ideal for a structure of this type.
Hoare said he hopes HRM residents agree.
Staff at HRM told him to promote the idea and see if residents catch on. After that he would go through the official proposal process. a public meeting is being planned for September.
He is also looking for sponsorship for the track from local businesses.
The BMX race Track Committee are asking residents to bring their bikes and take part in the Eastern Passage parade on August 6th. Supporters of the proposed track are asked to meet at the Ultramar Lot on Main Roadd between 0900 and 0930.
“We want as many people as possible to come out and join us and contact us with their thoughts,” said Hoare. “This is not just another thing for kids, it is an organized sport where we can learn, train and compete.”
For more info go to www.epbmx.ca or go to the Facebook Page.
