Introduction to BMX

For the beginner

You MUST be a Trial or Full member of the National Bicycle League (NBL)*

Equipment

The referee at any event may disqualify a rider from participation in a race if he determines that the rider's bicycle or protective gear is unsafe whether or not the condition giving rise to this determination is specifically addressed under this heading.

Safety Equipment

Use of the following safety equipment is mandatory whenever a rider is engaged in riding his bicycle on an NBL-sanctioned track:

A helmet in good condition manufactured to meet or exceed recognized bicycle safety standards. All helmets must be equipped with chin straps which must be properly secured when the helmet is in use. Helmets are required to cover at least half of the riders ears. (Helmets can be rented on practice and race days if you do not currently own one. )
Mouth guards are required and must be used on all open face helmets. Mouth guards must be properly secured when the helmet is in use.
A long-sleeved shirt must be worn.
Long pants made of denim or other tear-resistant material, with loose pant legs must be, wrapped, tied or clipped. Cut-offs with Hammers are not permitted.
Shoes with soles soft enough to grip a BMX-style pedal.

Use of the following safety equipment is recommended whenever a rider is engaged in riding his bicycle on an NBL-sanctioned track:

Knee pads and elbow pads
Gloves
Socks
Pads on the bicycle's top tube, the handlebar's crossbar, and the stem by which the bars are connected to the fork.(Pads can be rented in registration if you need them)

Your Bike

Every bicycle must be equipped with two wheels of matching size. The wheels on a 20" bicycle must have tires with an inflated diameter not exceeding 22.5" in diameter. The wheels of a cruiser must have tires with an inflated diameter greater than 22.5

All bicycles must be in good condition. Each must be equipped with:

A number plate with legible numbers. Stickers may be placed on the number plate along the sides and must not interfere with the number. All numbers and letters must be at least 3" high.

At National events, numbers permitted on plates include:

All World numbers - example, W1
All National numbers - Example. 7
Regional numbers - example, 2M (number plus the first letter of the rider's last name)
All novice National numbers must use N - example, N2
All rookie National numbers must use R - example, R3
If none of the above numbers were earned, then a rider must use the last 3 digits of his NBL license number.
No state numbers are permitted at National events.

At all local races, numbers permitted on plates are:

All of the above,
All earned state numbers.

Motocross-style handlebars not exceeding 28.5" in width should be equipped with grips that completely cover the bar ends. Sleeves, plugs or other devices used to extend the bar width are prohibited unless they are securely welded to the handlebars.

A device that prevents the seat post from penetrating the bicycle's seat.

An operable brake on the rear wheel.

The following equipment is Prohibited:

Drop-style handlebars
Kick stands, side stands, chain guards and reflectors.
Axles that extend more than 1/4" beyond the hub nuts unless they are suitably covered to prevent injury to any rider who may come into contact with them.
Two-way radios facilitating communication between a rider and any other person during a race and/or practice.

If you are not sure of how to take a particular jump or go through a turn faster than the other guy or, just want to know how, we have several professional and top amateur riders that will be more than glad to answer your questions and maybe even give you some of their own strategies.

* IF your not sure if this is the sport for you, you can sign up for a trial membership to the NBL for 30 days for $30. Then if you decide you want to be a BMX'er you can sign up for a full year for another $15 within the 30 day trial period.

TRACK SAFETY RULES

Track officials' directions shall be followed at all times. Do not argue with any adult. If you feel you are being unfairly treated, report to the track director.
Riders shall have all their proper equipment on before leaving staging and while on the track. The stager, starter or head official may preclude your participation if your bike or attire is deemed unsafe.
Riders must know their moto and lanes before entering staging.
Riders shall go through staging during the race.
Riders on the starting hill shall remain quiet and stay behind the wedge until the starter tells you to enter your gate.
Riders are not allowed on the starting hill unless directed by the stager.
Riders must ride with their hands on the handlebars and feet on the pedals at all times. Do not touch another person's bike on or off the track unless you have permission.
Riders shall not stop on the track or the infield unless hurt or the bike is inoperable.
Riders shall NEVER ride in the wrong direction on the track.
Poor sportsmanship, foul language, underage smoking, drug use and alcohol are strictly prohibited. These activities shall result in a temporary or permanent ban from the facility.
Jumping or other types of contest are not allowed at any time, without the consent of the track director.
All riders shall comply with the rules and regulations established by the NBL. Failure to comply with any local or NBL rule may result in temporary or permanent suspension from the track. Decision of the head race official is final.