BMX

BMX or Bicycle Motocross is a popular sport that originated in the United States in the late 1960s. It involves racing on off-road, single-lap race tracks with jumps and tight turns. BMX also includes freestyle disciplines, such as street, park, vert, trails, and flatland.

History

BMX racing began in the late 1960s in California, inspired by the motocross stars of the time. The children and teens who participated used their bicycles and imitated their motocross idols on dirt tracks. The sport became so popular that it caught the attention of an American bicycle company, Schwinn, and they started to design and build specialized BMX bikes.

Types of BMX

There are several types of BMX, each with its own unique set of rules and regulations. The main types are:

• BMX racing: This is the original form of BMX, where riders race on a dirt track with jumps, berms, and other obstacles.
• Freestyle BMX: This form of BMX involves performing tricks and stunts on flat ground, ramps, rails, and other street or park features.
• Vert BMX: This is a type of freestyle BMX where riders perform tricks in a large half-pipe.
• Street BMX: This type of BMX involves using the urban environment and its features, such as stairs, rails, and ledges, to perform tricks.
• Park BMX: This is a type of freestyle BMX where riders perform tricks on ramps, bowls, and other park features.
• Dirt Jump BMX: This type of BMX involves jumping over dirt mounds and performing tricks in the air.

BMX Bikes

BMX bikes are designed for off-road use, and are typically much smaller and lighter than other types of bicycles. They have a compact frame design, 20-inch wheels, and a single gear, making them easy to maneuver and control.

BMX in the Olympics

BMX racing was included in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China, and has been a part of the Olympic program ever since. Freestyle BMX was added to the program for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.

See Also

• Cycling
• Mountain biking
• Motocross