Generation BMX
DANNY Robinson is a man with a mission. He wants to get kids away from screens and outside riding BMX bikes.
He launched the BMX BOX project for youngsters in the Everton ward of Liverpool to give youngsters an alternative to being glued to their XBox or PlayStation.
It also offers a healthy activity that helps protect young people from falling into the clutches of gangs.
Children aged five to 12 can go along, for free, to ride the bikes, fix and clean them, take part in races and help maintain the track. Snacks and fruit are provided free, and experienced riders mentor the young people.
Danny, a trained therapist and cycling enthusiast, has run the project with the support of the Friends of Everton Park for three years. Hundreds of kids have benefitted.
“I know how cycling can help in so many areas, including good mental health,” he says. “I want to help those on the margins of our society in particular.
“We have been able to build a culture of respect, not just for the bikes, but for the track, the park and each other. If we need to do a litter pick, we do that. In fact, kids love it.”
Danny talks with pride about three children taken to BMX Box by their gran, who had become their main carer.
“One child had Asperger Syndrome, one had ADHD and the youngest had foetal alcohol syndrome,” he said.
“From the start they were all quite challenging in terms of their behaviour. But their grandmother stayed with them, she supported them. She was amazing. Now you wouldn’t recognise those children or even be able to notice they had a condition. The difference has been incredible.”