Once a maverick racing game participated in by adolescent cyclists across improvised race tracks, followed by the gate crashers at skateboard parks who wanted to do something more daring and creative than simply race their bike up and down, BMX has evolved into two distinct, official strands: BMX racing and freestyle BMX.

Both disciplines have their own official representative bodies: BMX racing in the UK by the British Cycling Federation; and freestyle, at a worldwide level, by the International BMX Freestyle Federation, headed by none other than the legendary freestyle rider himself, Mat Hoffman.

Both disciplines are participated in at official competition level: freestyle at events such as the international X-games and at specially organised street ‘jams’ sponsored by major corporate bodies such as Nike; and racing at official track meetings held up and down the country and, of course, at the Olympic Games.

Of the two disciplines however, freestyle still retains some of its maverick, ‘street’ aspect; unofficial freestyle jams occur far more frequently than official organised freestyle events. In addition, because freestyle jams usually take place in public thoroughfares rather than off the beaten track, they are sometimes viewed suspiciously by members of the public, and even sometimes by the authorities, as a nuisance factor on a par with graffiti art and petty vandalism.

The future of BMX however is very positive. The key lies in the fact that the public at large enjoy BMX as a spectator sport and will continue to pay money to see it. At the same time those engaged in BMX are ever more determined to learn new tricks and skills for this same public to enjoy.

In the meantime, the official representative bodies will continue to promote both disciplines. At bmx.co.uk we will also continue to do all we can to support and grow the sport of BMX.