Edmonton BMX
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BMX 101

BMX 101: 

THE HISTORY OF BMX

BMX racing is a type of off-road bicycle racing. The format of BMX was derived from motocross racing.[1] BMX bicycle races are sprint races on purpose-built off-road single-lap race tracks. The track usually consists of a starting gate for up to eight racers, a groomed, serpentine, dirt race course made of various jumps and rollers and a finish line. The course is usually about 15 feet (4.6 m) wide and has large banked corners, which are angled inward, that help the riders maintain speed. The sport of BMX racing is facilitated by a number of regional and international sanctioning bodies. They provide rules for sanctioning the conduct of the flying, specify age group and skill-level classifications among the racers, and maintain some kind of points-accumulation system over the racing season. The sport is very family oriented and largely participant-driven, with riders ranging in age from 2 to 70, and over. Professional ranks exist for both men and women, where the age ranges from 17 to over 40 years old. *https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMX_racing

How do you start?

The first thing needed to start racing is a bike. You do not need to have a full out race bike to start with, your street/park bike will work fine with a few minor modifications:

  • Your bike must have 20" diameter or less wheels. Cruisers must have either 24" or 26" wheels.

  • All reflectors and their mounts, axle pegs, chain guard and kick stand removed.

  • Rear brakes are required, either hand or coaster brakes are acceptable.

  • Handlebar grips must be in good shape with intact End caps

  • Axles must not protrude more than 1/4" past the axle nut.

  • A number plate is needed to race and is available to purchase at the track

    • Your race number is the last 3 digits on your ABA license

Safety Equipment

First and foremost you will need a good helmet. The helmet must be a full face design and will need to cover the temple area and ears.

BMX is different from other forms of bicycle racing in that the riders are all in close proximity while racing! This is a high risk sport and crashes happen. Helmet use is mandatory while riding a bike at all times, both on the track and in the parking lot.

  • Body armour, neck braces, elbow pads, knee/shin guards are highly recommended but not mandatory.

  • Jerseys should be tucked into pants, and the sleeves should be long enough to leave no skin exposed between the cuff and the glove.

  • Sweat/track pants are not allowed at district racing and prohibited at Provincial level and higher races. 

  • Athletes race the age category of the age they will be on Dec 31st of the current calendar year. (UCI rules)

  • Clipless pedals are not allowed for children under 13yr old regardless of ability level. 

General rules of advancement in organized BMX racing

To advance a racer must win 10 races as a Novice to advance to Intermediate. Upon winning 20 races (or 10 as a girl) in the Intermediate class the rider will move to Expert, the highest non-Pro class. Boys and girls are combined and race together in Novice and Intermediate classes; at the Expert level boys and girls are separated into Expert and Girls Expert.

Cruiser and Girls Cruiser have no advancement and are only separated by age.