BMX riding is a very popular pastime, and has been so as far back as the 1960s. Of course, as with any hobby, the riders, bikes, and tricks have become bigger and better. The first BMX publication was released in 1974 and since then, BMX riding has grown into a fully-fledged sport. Fans can find articles and an enormous amount of BMX videos from all over the world. BMX riders now have even more options than skateboarders, since they are able to ride and trick on dirt tracks. It's really no wonder that more and more riders are joining the bicycle motocross¹ world everyday.

Just like Motocross riders and skateboarders, BMX riders continually put their bodies at risk while trying to find the next big trick. They can be found racing on dirt and asphalt tracks, and even do tricks on half pipes and stairs. You should be able to recognise a BMX rider by their knobbly tyres and their incessant need to catch air². Even with the continual learning and advancement in BMX, some of the most complicated and dangerous tricks have been around for quite some time.

'No Footer'

Although the 'no footer' is one of the oldest and most basic jumping tricks, it still continues to be one of the more painful and dangerous tricks out there. The rider pedals up to speed before hitting a jump. As they come off the ramp, they kick both legs from their pedals and stick them out to the side of the bike. Though it sounds, and even looks, simple enough, this trick has caused many, many injuries. Perhaps it is so dangerous just because so many BMX riders are willing to do it.

The 360

A more difficult trick, even more dangerous than the 'no footer', is the 360. As the name suggests, the 360 is done by a rider when they come off the ramp and throw their weight to one side, spinning their bike a full 360 degrees. The most dangerous part of the trick is the landing. If the bike has not completed its rotation, or if the rider is not seated correctly, the landing can quickly become a disaster.

Tail Whip

Much like the 360, the tail whip is a very complicated and dangerous trick. It is another jumping trick that requires pretty high speed off the ramp. In a tail whip, the rider must actually lift their entire body up, off the bike, while holding on to only the handlebars. As they come off the ramp, the rider must push the bike into a spin: the front wheel and handlebars stay pointing forwards with the rider, while the frame, pedals and back wheel spin beneath the rider's body in the air. This must be timed so that they land back with their feet firmly on the pedals when the bike hits the ground.

There are many BMX tricks, both on the track and on the street, and almost all of them have some level of danger. It is a special type of person that can become a skilled BMX rider, especially when it comes to finishing these dangerous tricks without injury or damage to the bike.