Rules for BMX Riding

BMX riding is an off-road cycling sport that is a combination of bicycle and motocross origin. It has gained intense popularity over the past 10 years and contributes to the growing attraction to extreme sports. The primary rules for BMX riding cover regulations of the course, equipment and riders. They were established over the course of the sport's rising popularity, and are simple but strict. Currently, there is a wide range of smaller rules that are available in the BMX handbook.

  1. History

    • BMX riding came to the United States from Europe by a couple of young men from England. In the 1970s, these men were racing their bicycles on dirt tracks in Southern California. Since it was so influenced by motocross, the art of BMX was to try and duplicate the tricks that riders do on their motocross bikes and this was never seen before in the bicycling world. By the mid-1970s, BMX bike and racing paths had popped up all over California, and it was becoming quite popular, especially among children and teenagers. By the late 1970s, BMX competitions and championships were prevalent in the United States and the United Kingdom. Rules were established during the rising popularity of BMX riding. During the early 1980s, the International BMX Federation was put into place with the first world championship ever founded in 1982. As of 2003, BMX riding became an official category in the Olympic Games.

    Significance

    • The concept of BMX riding is to compete on a track in a stylish and complex form of bike riding that involves intense obstacles, jumps and tricks. BMX is derived mainly from motocross. Freestyle BMX is a separate category with a more intense mindset. BMX bike riding has opened the door for numerous branches of biking competition. It has caused bicycle manufacturers to develop bikes just for BMX riding and to create an entire market of products for the sport, including clothing, bike parts and sponsors. It only contributes more so to the awe and infatuation with extreme sports.

    BMX Race Rules

    • Here are the official race rules for BMX riding: 1. No one may may ride or practice unless they are officially licensed riders. 2. Riders must be ready to race when their class is called. 3. The race's referee is the final say of the outcome in any event. 4. When a first-time competitor does not show up for the race, they are marked with a "CR" which is comparable as last place in the event. 5. No rider's position may be filled with a representative or replacement. 6. Neither riders, parents nor coaches are allowed to talk to the scorekeepers. 7. Riders are allowed to push their bikes across the finish line. 8. The race referee reserves the right the exclude any rider the competition if they seem impaired in some way or uses poor sportsmanship. 9. Any rider who did not receive a moto will receive points that are equal to the number of riders entered in his moto. 10. A rider must have started a race in order to received a "Did Not Finish," or DNF. 11. Any rider leaving the course must re-enter at a safety point. 12. If a rider left the course and is re-entering, he is not allowed to cut the course to gain a position or interfere with other riders. 13. A rider may in no way use his body or equipment to impede another rider or have body contact.

    BMX Equipment Rules and Regulations

    • The regulations for the BMX equipment is as follows: 1. The bicycle must be 20 inches. 2. Bicycles can be meant for either gender. 3. All bikes must pass safety inspection before being present on the track. 4. No hats, wallets or chains can be apparent or hanging from the bike. 5. Clothing on rider must not be of heavy material or hanging off the body. 6. Kick stands, chain guards and reflectors must be removed. 7. Rubber or metal peddles must be used and cannot be broken or impaired in any way. 8. Tires must be in good condition. 9. Handlebars must have end caps and grips. 10. Frame, seat and handlebars must be firm and stable. 11. All spokes must be present and in good condition. 12. Handlebars are not allowed to exceed 28.5 inches. 13. The rider must display the number provided to him in the competition on his equipment somewhere.

    Considerations

    • These listed rules are the basic primary rules for BMX riding. There is a BMX rule handbook that covers all of the rules for the riders, the competition and the course, so they all may not be listed in this article. There are also rules that apply to the referee, audience, coaches, classes, officials and Code of Conduct. Also, if considering starting to practice BMX biking, make sure that you understand what type of bike is needed for different heights, weights and genders.