O'Halloran Hill BMX track plan to attract international riders to boom local scene

BMX bike riders in action at O'Halloran Hill.
Image courtesy South Australia department of environment, water and natural resources

A world-class BMX track planned for Majors Road, O’Halloran Hill, would be able to host international and national events events in line with standards set by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).

With a $3.5 funding commitment from the state government, and Marion and Onkaparinga councils, the BMX track would aim to attract bigger events to the state and produce more riders like local Sam Willoughby, who won a silver medal at the 2012 Olympics.

South Australia does not have any UCI standard BMX facilities and can’t attract national-level BMX events. The existing track at Cove Sports and Community Club doesn’t meet national and international standards and is being hemmed in by housing.

The number of BMX riders in the state has doubled since 2010, with more than half the riders from the southern suburbs. The Cove and Happy Valley BMX clubs each have about 150 members.