When Was BMX Invented – The History


Bicycle motocross, known as BMX, is a well-liked cycling discipline that combines trick riding and racing. Early in the 1970s saw the introduction of BMX, which has since gained popularity all over the world. We shall examine the history of BMX and the numerous elements that have influenced its growth and notoriety over time in this post.

The Origins of BMX

Early in the 1970s, a group of young motorcyclists in California started copying the tricks and stunts that they witnessed professional motocross riders accomplish while riding dirt bikes. This is when BMX first gained popularity. On their own bikes, these riders proceeded to construct their own tracks in backyards and vacant areas, where they then started racing and pulling tricks.

Dave, a young rider who is credited with constructing the first dedicated BMX track in his home in 1973, was one of the important figures in the sport’s early years. Local riders began flocking to this track, known as the “Redline Raceway,” and new tracks started springing up all throughout the state as a result.

The National Bicycle League (NBL) and the American Bicycle Association were among the first BMX racing organizations to be established as the sport gained in popularity (ABA). These groups created the sport’s rules and regulations and regularly hosted races.

The Rise of BMX

Due in part to the release of the successful film “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” which depicted a gang of BMX riders racing through the streets, BMX saw a rise in popularity in the late 1970s and early 1980s. This triggered an increase in sales of BMX bikes and accessories and helped to popularize BMX.

A subculture of riders who were interested in performing tricks and feats on their bikes was born out of BMX in addition to racing. In the 1980s, the freestyle element of BMX gained a lot of popularity, and professional riders started taking part in competitions like the X Games and the Gravity Games.

The Evolution of BMX

BMX has developed and grown throughout the years as riders have experimented with new tricks and approaches and new bike and equipment innovations. Street riding, in which riders use their bikes to ride and execute tricks on urban streets and structures, rose to popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Racing, freestyle, street, and dirt jumping are just a few of the many riding styles and disciplines available in BMX today. Professional riders and competitions, including the Red Bull Rampage and the UCI BMX World Championships, have also become more prevalent in the sport.

The Future of BMX

New riding techniques and disciplines, as well as the creation of new bike designs and technologies, are likely to arise as BMX grows and changes. It’s also feasible that electric BMX bikes will be introduced in the future due to e-bikes’ rising popularity.

Whatever the future holds, BMX will remain a well-liked and thrilling sport for riders of all ages and skill levels. There is a place for everyone in the BMX community, regardless of experience level.

BMX is a dynamic and thrilling sport with a long history that dates back to the 1970s. BMX has evolved into a global phenomenon with a wide array of riding styles and disciplines from its humble beginnings as a bunch of young riders doing motocross antics on their bikes. 

Today, professional riders compete in competitions like the Red Bull Rampage and the UCI BMX World Championships as BMX continues to develop and grow. New bike designs and technologies, as well as the creation of new riding techniques and disciplines, are likely to occur as the sport develops. Whatever the future holds, BMX will always be a well-liked and thrilling sport for riders of all ages and skill levels.


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