Our staff and volunteers are DBS checked and receive appropriate training which includes First Aid and Safeguarding. We encourage further training and professional development.
STEVE ROOKE
Inspired by the UK’s BMX founding fathers who visited a summer playscheme at Redditch YMCA in 1980. Steve got his first BMX from a toy shop in 1982. Steve took to the streets and Redditch BMX track practising his tricks with his friends and eventually dabbling in BMX racing. Steve’s passion was more so in BMX Freestyle focusing on flatland eventually in 1986 riding in the Halfords BMX Team performing shows all over the midlands to showcase BMX Freestyle to the public.
Steve got into the UKBFA national freestyle competition circuit from 1987 travelling the country and eventually being sponsored by Hotshot GT BMX in 1991. Steve continued to travel the UK riding different spots and Skateparks always dreaming how good it would be if Redditch had its own place again until the fateful day he met a group of young people leading to the creation of the Redditch Wheels Project. Steve also played a major role in the development of Redditch National Floodlit BMX Track in 2010 and the reformation of Redditch Premiers BMX Club.
Steve brings with him a vast array of knowledge and experience in grant fundraising, local authorities, the third sector, strategic partnerships, project management, and youth work where he works with disadvantaged young people.
Steve has won numerous awards for his tireless work with Redditch Wheels Project including a visit to meet the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street and was a Commonwealth Games Baton Bearer where he rode the Baton around Redditch BMX Track in 2022.
Steve is one of the founding members of the British Cycling BMX Freestyle Commission which guides the national governing body’s support of the development of BMX Freestyle.
Steve still rides when he can and supports his daughter who races BMX nationally and internationally.
DARREN O’NEILL
Shortly after acquiring a £40 petrol station BMX bike to replace his Raleigh Grifter, Darren saw something built on the local wasteland where he and his friends used to ride and practice jumps. It was the Cocksmoor BMX track!
Darren started racing locally in 1983, and despite his family never owned a car, his Mom somehow managed to get him to every race he needed to be at. In 1987, Darren turned Superclass and represented numerous sponsors such as ASR, ELF, Edwardes Bike Shop, Kovachi, MRD and Sunn Premier in the UK and across Europe. Darren is a multi-time UK national/British Champs 01 title winner and has also made podiums on the European race scene.
STEVE ROOKE PODCAST WITH DALE HOLMES BRITISH BMX HALL OF FAME
“I first met Steve Rooke at Redditch Trails back in 1997 when a bunch of us would go over to ride on the unused Redditch track, which was the home of the Anglo American Cup.
Steve still rides today and was out in Newport Beach for the One Love Jam a few weeks ago, so he drove down to San Diego and we caught up and recorded a podcast for British BMX Hall of Fame.
We talk about everything from Steve being a Redditch track local in the early 80s, going to Steve Wilson’s to get his frame welded, riding freestyle and flatland and UKBFA Comps.
Steve talks about doing demos, the resurgence of the Redditch scene in the 90s, the Redditch Wheels Project, reforming the Redditch Premiers Club with Benn Thombs, Tim Print, Gary O’Connor, Scott Beaumont, Si Paton and Chris Taylor.
Then there was the new Redditch track opening and David Duffield giving a speech in 2010, the long term goal for Redditch, Steve’s daughter racing and so much more.
Shout-out to Steve not just for this podcast but also for writing a Redditch history timeline for the British BMX Hall of Fame program last year and helping us with the event.
Check it out.” – Dale Holmes
