BMX
BMX cycling is currently enjoying substantial popularity rivalling its heyday in the 1980s, due in part to its inclusion at the Beijing Olympics. The two main forms are track and freestyle.
Track
Races are fast and aggressive sprints on purpose-built, off-road, single-lap tracks with eight riders competing shoulder to shoulder.
- How to get into - Locate your nearest Track & Club
- Parent Body: British Cycling
- Bike: Stripped-down lightweight 20in or 24in wheeled BMX bike.
- Other equipment: Full-face helmet, tough long sleeve shirt and trousers, gloves.
- Sporting status: Olympic event since 2008
Freestyle
Creative way of using bicycles originally designed for bicycle motocross racing. It can be split into several disciplines, although riders will generally participate in more than one discipline. These are Street, Park, Vert, Trails (sometimes called Dirt) and Flatland.
Street Involves manoeuvring along obstacles not designed for bicycles such as handrails, ledges, curved walls, banks, and unusually shaped architectural designs.
Park & Vert Mostly takes place on purpose-built half-pipes or bowls, pulling off spectacular aerial tricks.
Flatland Done almost anywhere, requiring complicated tricks to be performed while the bike remains on the ground.
Trails Where the ride crosses a number of dirt jumps.
- How to get involved: Local clubs, often based at a track; riding with friends
- Parent Body: Ride UK BMX
- Sporting status: Championship, but yet to reach Olympic status