BMX – Boosting Mental eXcellence

BMX – Boosting Mental eXcellence is an exciting new community initiative that harnesses the power of BMX and cycling to improve Mental and Physical wellbeing, reduce Social Isolation and bring people together in a welcoming, supportive environment.

Our mission is simple: to encourage people to get active, enjoy the fresh air and reconnect with both their community and themselves. Whether we’re riding through the beautiful Durham City centre or exploring local cycle routes, every ride is an opportunity to improve both physical and mental health.

Whether you’re an experienced rider, rediscovering a childhood passion from the 1980s, or climbing onto a BMX for the very first time, you’ll always receive a warm welcome.

We believe that being outdoors, learning practical skills, exercising regularly, and sharing experiences with others can make a lasting difference to people’s lives.

 

Work on a Bike

Our workshop sessions are about far more than repairing bicycles – they’re about building confidence, developing new skills, and creating friendships.

Learn practical bike maintenance in a relaxed and supportive environment. From repairing punctures and adjusting brakes to restoring vintage BMX bikes back to their former glory, every project provides a real sense of achievement.

Become a BMX Ambassador

Are you experienced in bike maintenance or restoration?

Why not become one of our BMX Ambassadors and help inspire the next generation of riders? By sharing your knowledge and teaching others the tricks of the trade, you’ll be helping people build confidence, learn valuable life skills, and become part of something truly special.

Whether you’re a professional mechanic or simply have years of experience working on bikes, your knowledge could change someone’s life.

Weekly BMX Rides

Join our weekly group rides aboard our collection of classic vintage BMX bikes as we explore Durham and the surrounding area together.

Our rides are about much more than cycling. They’re about conversation, friendship, laughter, exercise, and taking time away from the pressures of everyday life.

For many, riding a BMX instantly rekindles those powerful childhood memories from the 1980s – when life felt simpler and all we thought about was getting outside to ride with our friends until the streetlights came on.

We want to recreate that same feeling of freedom, adventure and belonging.

Our rides are relaxed, inclusive and completely non-competitive, allowing everyone to ride at their own pace while enjoying the physical and mental benefits of being active outdoors.

Bring Your Own or Hire a Bike

Already have a BMX or bike you love? Bring it along and become part of the community.

Don’t own a bike? That’s absolutely fine.

Members can hire one of our carefully restored vintage BMX bikes and experience the nostalgia of riding a true classic.

Our aim is to remove barriers so everyone has the opportunity to take part, regardless of experience or equipment.

Why BMX?

Cycling has long been recognised as one of the most effective ways to improve both physical and mental wellbeing.

Regular cycling can help to:

Improve mood and reduce stress

Build confidence and self-esteem

Reduce feelings of anxiety and social isolation

Improve physical fitness and cardiovascular health

Encourage mindfulness through time spent outdoors

Create lasting friendships and stronger communities

Develop positive routines and healthier lifestyles

At BMX – Boosting Mental eXcellence, we combine all of these proven benefits with the nostalgia, excitement and fun that BMX has inspired for generations.

By reconnecting people with the bikes they loved growing up, we’re helping create new memories while supporting better mental health.

 

Who Can Join?

BMX – Boosting Mental eXcellence has been developed primarily for adults of all backgrounds and abilities who are looking to improve their wellbeing through cycling and community.

However, we believe BMX is for everyone. Families and young people are welcome to be part of this exciting journey, helping to inspire future generations while bringing communities together through a shared passion for cycling.

Whether you’re looking to:

Improve your mental wellbeing

Increase your physical activity

Meet new people

Learn practical bike maintenance

Rediscover your love of BMX

Join regular community rides

Volunteer your time and skills

Simply get out of the house and try something new

…you’ll find a friendly, supportive community ready to welcome you.

No previous experience is necessary—just a willingness to get involved.

 

More Than Just Riding

Every session is designed to create a safe, relaxed environment where people can connect naturally through a shared passion.

Sometimes the biggest difference comes from repairing a bike alongside someone else. Sometimes it’s the conversations during a ride or simply enjoying a cup of tea together afterwards.

Every repaired bike, every mile ridden, every new friendship and every conversation is another step towards Boosting Mental eXcellence.

 

Become Part of the Movement

BMX – Boosting Mental eXcellence is more than a cycling project – it’s a growing community built on friendship, wellbeing, inclusion and opportunity.

Whether you want to restore bikes, join our weekly rides, bring your own BMX, hire one of our vintage bikes, or simply meet like-minded people, there’s a place for you.

We’re also looking for passionate BMX Ambassadors to help us grow this movement. If you have experience with bikes, enjoy mentoring others, or simply want to give something back to your community, we’d love to hear from you.

Together, we can use the power of BMX to improve lives, strengthen communities and inspire people to get active once again.

Boost Your Mind. Build Friendships. Ride Together.

Ride Together. Heal Together.

Pedal Through the Barriers.

For more information contact us here