Staying Safe on your mountain bike or BMX

The sport of BMX cycling has grown in recent years. Since being introduced at the 2008 Summer Olympics, the event this year included 48 competitors from 23 countries in Rio de Janeiro. More than 300 BMX tracks are currently in use across North America, helping fuel the growth.

Eeyou Istchee recently joined the BMX community with the opening of an asphalt track in Mistissini. The facility is one of over a dozen built by Granby-based BMXpert, which specializes in design, construction and management of dirt and asphalt BMX tracks used for both recreation and competitive events.

The construction of the Mistissini facility responds to the need to provide youth more ways to stay active.

However, with the thrill of navigating the challenging turns and slaloms of a BMX track comes concerns about safety. Several steps are required to minimize the risk of injury for BMX cyclists, both young and old. BMX Canada, the governing body of the sport in Canada, provides in-depth guidelines as to the proper safety gear to use, and tips on how to keep your BMX bike in top-notch shape ahead of your first spin on the track.

According to BMX Canada, riders must wear long sleeve shirts and pants, and will not be allowed on an approved course without an approved helmet. This is particularly important on paved surfaces, where the risk of injury may be higher than on dirt courses.

Nicole Ritzer agrees. A Planning, Project, and Research Officer with the Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay, she is strong proponent of a safety-first approach to BMX cycling, and feels that it is important for parents to get involved before their children hit the track.

“It is so important for riders to take the necessary precautions to avoid injury before hitting the track,” Ritzer said. “That means, at a bare minimum, they should be using protective equipment, including a helmet, knee pads and shin guards.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As so many hockey parents already know, outfitting a youngster with sports equipment can be a costly venture. While everyday cycling helmets can be purchased for as little as $40, riders tackling a paved BMX track will want to consider using a full-face helmet that not only protects the skull, but could also make the difference in saving a rider’s teeth in the event of serious fall.

According to Bell Helmet, a helmet is not something that a child should grow into. While it may add to equipment costs in the long term, a child should never wear a helmet that is either too big or too small.

Protective clothing is also imperative, particularly on a paved track, where a fall could result in the rider suffering a serious road rash. “Full armour is available and widely used by downhill racers, and is something to consider for more older, more experienced BMX riders,” Ritzer noted.

Now that your child is properly outfitted with a full-face helmet, and proper attire and armour, it is time to inspect their bike.

BMX is one of the fastest growing segments in the bicycle industry, with a growing number of BMX bicycle models, and aftermarket accessories, now available. But again, whether you are simply taking a leisurely ride on a touring bicycle, or have invested heavily in a high-end BMX racer, it is critical to do regular mechanical checks on your ride.

“Ensuring that your bike is in good working order is half the battle when it comes to riding safety,” said Ritzer. “Just like car owners do mechanical checks on their vehicles before driving them, cyclists should do the same.”

A mechanical check before riding is simple and easy. First and foremost, riders should check the brakes on their bicycle prior to hitting the road and track, ensuring that cables are not obstructed, and both the front and rear brakes are fully operational.

“Well-maintained brakes can make the difference between a routine stop or a serious accident that can cause injury to people, both on and off the track,” Ritzer explained.

Proper tire maintenance is also critical. Be sure that tires are inflated to specification. Overinflated tires increase the risk of a blowout, while under-inflated tires can have an impact on the rider’s control of their bike, and ability to brake and avoid obstacles.

Kids will be kids, and it is impossible to prevent all injuries with active children. But a few simple safety steps and the right equipment can make all the difference between a fun day at the track and an evening spent at the clinic.