The History of BMXing Free Style

BMX is the common abbreviation for the extreme sport bicycle motocross. The freestyle version of BMX does not use a track or racing venue; rather, riders perform stunts and tricks using railings, stairs or whatever items are available on the street.

  1. Early Leagues

    • In the 1970s, the National Bicycle League was formed as an organization dedicated to the advancement of the sport. Bylaws, memberships and a board of directors were set up, and the national races organized by the NBL became popular. In 1981 the National Bicycle Motocross Association partnered with the NBL to create a nationwide regulatory body.

    Early Bikes and Riders

    • The earliest BMX riders chose Schwinn Sting-Rays to race and perform stunts with because they were small and inexpensive. Other early models of BMX bike include Redline, Torker, Shimano and GT. Some of the most famous riders from the '70s are Bobby Encinas, Greg Hill and Dave Clinton.

    Considerations

    • BMX is now an established sport. However, as of 2010, the freestyle version is not yet an Olympic sport as the racing version is. Freestylers today compete in five divisions: street, vert, flatland, park and trails. Another development is women's interest in BMX freestyle. In the 1980s, more girls and women began riding and now have their own organization, Women of Freestyle.